4.11.2006 ET

(CSRwire) MIDLAND, MICH.-- As part of The Dow Chemical Company's alliance with Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ocean Futures Society, the two groups jointly rolled out a Don't Be a Beach Bum educational program at the National Science Teachers Association conference in Anaheim, California, on April 6. Designed to help kids understand the impact of their behaviors on the oceans, this program builds upon Dow's exclusive corporate sponsorship of Jean-Michel Cousteau: Ocean Adventures -- an inspirational six-part television series which aired for the first time on April 5 with Part 1 of Voyage to Kure. Part two will air April 12 on PBS stations nationwide.

"The educational program and TV series represent significant steps forward in the alliance's joint effort to proactively educate the general public-including children--about the escalating need to protect the environment above and below the sea," said Tony Kingsbury, Dow Global Public Affairs Leader.

The Don't Be A Beach Bum lesson plan features a large poster to promote awareness of ocean debris, and three lesson plans for teachers, complete with discussion points, fun activities, and much more.

"The plans are fun-not boring-and will therefore be remembered easier by most kids because it makes each lesson a part of real life," said Jean-Michel Cousteau, founder and president of Ocean Futures Society and famed environmentalist and educator. "With these exercises, kids will see how their actions are connected to the health of the oceans, and how they can make a positive difference for the future."

As a leader in sustainable development, Dow constantly applies science and technology to improve the quality of life around the world. A variety of innovative Dow products, for example, improve water quality, fuel efficiency, food and water delivery, and more. In addition, Dow employees volunteer their time for many eco-related activities around the globe, such as International Coastal Cleanup.

"The first step in solving a problem is in understanding it, which is what educational programs like Ocean Adventures and Don't Be a Beach Bum are designed to do," said Andrew Liveris, Dow's president, CEO and chairman of the board. "They raise awareness that everyone is part of the problem and that we all have a role to play in being part of the solution. At Dow, we are proud to be a part of the solution not only through educational support, but through science and technology solutions as well."

For a copy of the Don't Be a Beach Bum educational curriculum, please contact sdust@dow.com. By June, the curriculum will be available in electronic form on www.doweducation.com.

About Dow

Dow is a diversified chemical company that harnesses the power of science and technology to improve living daily. The Company offers a broad range of innovative products and services to customers in more than 175 countries, helping them to provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. Built on a commitment to its principles of sustainability, Dow has annual sales of $46 billion and employs 42,000 people worldwide. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. More information about Dow can be found at www.dow.com.

About Ocean Futures Society

Ocean Futures Society is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. With the motto, "Protect the ocean and you protect yourself," the mission of Ocean Futures Society is to explore our global ocean, inspiring and educating people throughout the world to act responsibly for its protection, documenting the critical connection between humanity and nature, and celebrating the ocean's vital importance to the survival of all life on our planet. OFS is based in Santa Barbara, CA, USA with offices in Paris and Lucca, Italy. For more information, visit www.oceanfutures.org.

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