EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS [Teacher Name] presents: Whales and Dolphins Under the California Sun EARTHWATCH STUDENT EXPEDITIONS [NAME OF HIGH SCHOOL]

EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS WHAT IS EARTHWATCH? Since 1971, Earthwatch has made it possible for people from all walks of life to join leading scientists around the world to help with crucial environmental research. 2

EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS THE MISSION OF STUDENT EXPEDITIONS To engage students worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment. 3

EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS EARTHWATCH AROUND THE GLOBE Earthwatch has 20 Student Expeditions in 16 countries. 4

EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS EARTHWATCH RESEARCH PILLARS Earthwatch offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to conserve and explore our planet while delving into one of four research areas. 5

EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS EARTHWATCH BY THE NUMBERS Last year, Earthwatch: Sent 3,150 participants aged 10 to 80 on research expeditions. Supported 141,520 hours of research done by volunteers across our whole portfolio of expeditions. Research teams are typically composed of three to five staff members, plus one or more teacher chaperonesso your teen is in excellent hands! 6

EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS BENEFITS OF AN EARTHWATCH EXPEDITION Learn experientially through scientific field research. Work directly with environmental science experts. Get a boost for university applications and résumés. Explore career paths in the sciences. Support local communities and local educational initiatives. Grow personally and gain confidence. 7

EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS BENEFITS OF INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL Students who travel internationally before the age of 18 do better. In high school: more than 80% had a GPA of 3.0 or higher. In college: more than 88% received a college degree. At work: half of travelers surveyed reported a household income of more than $75,000 as adults. Source: The Student Youth & Travel Association, The Impact of Early Travel Experiences (2010 survey). 8

EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS A TYPICAL EARTHWATCH PROJECT Teams for run 7 to 15 days. Teams accommodate 7 to 20 volunteers. Students will take on 2 to 5 research tasks per team. Students stay in simple but comfortable accommodations in the field. 9

EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS OVERVIEW: WHALES AND DOLPHINS UNDER THE CALIFORNIA SUN Take to the Pacific Ocean off Southern California to search for, photograph, and identify whales and dolphins. Youll help collect data essential for their safety as they swim along the coast. 10

EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS THE RESEARCH: WHALES AND DOLPHINS UNDER THE CALIFORNIA SUN Take photographs of whales, mapping their locations, and video-recording any unusual behaviors. From the shores of Palos Verdes and Dana Point, spot whales and track their movement. Use GIS technology to examine spatial relationships between marine mammal distribution patterns and oceanic and human variables. 11

EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS MEALS & ACCOMMODATIONS: WHALES AND DOLPHINS UNDER THE CALIFORNIA SUN Students stay in a waterfront townhouse. Bedrooms are dorm-style, with no more than four people to a room. Amenities include a pool, a Jacuzzi and tennis courts for relaxation during recreational times. Students will help prepare meals with the whole team in the houses kitchen. Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies Credit: Southern California Marine Institute 12

EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS LEAD SCIENTIST: WHALES AND DOLPHINS UNDER THE CALIFORNIA SUN Dr. Lei Lani Stelle University of Redlands Coastal Ecosystems Research Foundation Dr. Stelle is an associate professor of biology at the University of Redlands in California. She researches the physiological ecology of aquatic mammals like gray whales, humpback whales, and bottlenose dolphins. She grew up in Huntington Beach and has been studying marine mammals for 20 years. 13

EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS SAFETY & WELFARE: WHALES AND DOLPHINS UNDER THE CALIFORNIA SUN Earthwatch has a comprehensive emergency response plan for each project, with medical and evacuation insurance included. Dr. Stelle is certified in safety training, including CPR and first aid. All staff will carry personal cellphones. If out of range while on a boat, there is a marine radio, which can be used in the case of emergency. All volunteers will have up-to-date immunizations. 14

EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS OTHER CONSIDERATIONS Passports & Visas: Citizens of the U.S. and Europe DO need a passport, but DO NOT need tourist visas. Minors must also have a notarized letter from all parents or legal guardians stipulating that they may travel in the presence of an adult other than their parent or guardian. Insurance: Your contribution to Earthwatch includes insurance and medical evacuation coverage. Flights: The teacher leading the expedition will coordinate travel. Language: All Earthwatch expeditions are led in English. Packing Requirements: Earthwatch will provide an expedition briefing 90 days before the expedition with details of what to bring (and lots of other information). 15

EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS NEXT STEPS Provide a $300 deposit and complete the Group Volunteer Registration Form by [Month, XX, 20XX]. Call me with any questions or to enroll your teen. CONTACT INFO: [Ms./Mr. Teacher] [Name of High School] [(XXX) XXX-XXXX] 16