EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS [Teacher Name] presents: Rescuing Coral Reefs in the Cayman Islands 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 23 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 chaperones—so 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 EXPERIENCE 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: RESCUING CORAL REEFS IN THE CAYMAN ISLANDS Coral reefs live in a stressful world. Come explore life beneath the water by snorkeling in the remote Little Cayman reefs. Help scientists survey coral, environmental conditions, and a shallow ocean “nursery,” where researchers are practicing coral gardening—growing new coral from existing reef fragments! 10

EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS THE RESEARCH: RESCUING CORAL REEFS IN THE CAYMAN ISLANDS Study climate change. Discover how rising sea temperatures and acidic ocean waters affect the health of coral reefs. Learn from nature. Little Cayman is one of the few reefs that recovered after record-high El Nino temperatures, help scientists understand why. Discover life beneath the surface. Study existing coral and the viability of coral gardening. Track environmental conditions. Collect data on conditions that best support coral growth and survival. 11

EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS MEALS & ACCOMMODATIONS: RESCUING CORAL REEFS IN THE CAYMAN ISLANDS Live at the Little Cayman Research Centre, home of the Central Caribbean Marine Institute. Stay in shared dorm-style rooms with attached kitchens, classrooms, and detached bathrooms and showers. Enjoy local fresh fare and a wide variety of classic dishes such as fried chicken and spaghetti. 12

EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS LEAD SCIENTIST: RESCUING CORAL REEFS IN THE CAYMAN ISLANDS Dr. Carrie Manfrino President and Director of Research Central Caribbean Marine Institute As a geologist, Dr. Manfrino takes a long-term perspective—millions of years long—on the past and future of coral reefs. She started working on Little Cayman Island two decades ago, and established the Central Caribbean Marine Institute in

EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS SAFETY & WELFARE: RESCUING CORAL REEFS IN THE CAYMAN ISLANDS Earthwatch creates a comprehensive risk assessment and emergency response plan specific to each project’s location and activities. Medical and evacuation insurance is provided for every participant. The Earthwatch Scientist and all field staff are trained in Emergency First Response. Reliable cellphone communications, and the boats have VHF radio for emergency use. All participants will receive detailed training on the identification and avoidance of lionfish and fire coral and other field hazards. 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