Iowa State’s department of journalism and mass communication has received grants focusing on environmental issues.

ISU received nearly $35,000 to develop a computer “on-line” service featuring environmental news and activities and a $55,000 grant to offer an advanced communication course that focuses on reporting and communicating about environmental issues.

The grants were awarded to ISU by the Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) Conservation Education Board.

The first grant, which will support the development of a new computer “on-line” service at ISU, will take advantage of computer and interactive news and education capabilities by using the Internet, said Joel Geske, associate professor of journalism at Iowa State. The project will focus on Environmental Sciences Communication, Activities and News (ESCAN), which is designed to help disseminate information about environmental issues.

A second REAP grant will allow ISU’s journalism department to offer a new environmental communication course, Advanced Campaigns, to students during the 1995-96 school year.