The National Science Foundation is awarding a grant of almost $350 thousand to the Beloit School District, Beloit College, Welty Environmental Center, and UW-Madison Center for Climatic Research to develop a network of community based learning.  Beloit School District Director of Teaching, Learning, and Equity Theresa Morateck says the grant will broaden learning in natural settings where students can become what the grant describes as “citizen scientists”.  Morateck describes the potential learning experience as “hands-on” with a chance to see Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics curriculum in “real-life” action.  The grant is also intended to broaden opportunities for youth on the autism spectrum in developing science skills through participation in summer camps.