EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS [Teacher Name] presents: Exploring an Active Volcano in Nicaragua 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 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: EXPLORING AN ACTIVE VOLCANO IN NICARAGUA What’s it like to call a volcano your neighbor? Hike the slopes and surrounding areas of an active volcano in Nicaragua to determine the impact that volcanic activity has on plants, animals, and the local community. 10

EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS THE RESEARCH: EXPLORING AN ACTIVE VOLCANO IN NICARAGUA Hike around a live volcano to conduct survey plants and pollinators like tropical butterflies. Use cutting-edge research equipment to monitor volcanic gases and measure geo-electric activity and gravity. Safely examine the effects of acid rain, volcanic smog, and volcanic activity on the soil, water, and wildlife. Dig holes to collect soil and water samples. 11

EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS MEALS & ACCOMMODATIONS: EXPLORING AN ACTIVE VOLCANO IN NICARAGUA Students will stay in a small, friendly hotel, with shared rooms and bathrooms. The hotel includes a lounge area, and Internet access is available close by. Breakfasts will consist of beans and rice, eggs, bread, and juice served at the hotel or nearby. Lunches will be packed for the field. For dinner, students will eat local dishes in nearby restaurants or at the hotel. 12

EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS LEAD SCIENTIST: EXPLORING AN ACTIVE VOLCANO IN NICARAGUA Prof. Hazel Rymer The Open University, U.K. Hazel Rymer is a physicist and geophysicist by training, and has worked for more than 20 years on volcano monitoring and hazard mitigation projects in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Iceland,Italy, and Mexico. At the Open University, Prof. Rymer researches volcanic processes and teaches geoscience and science communication. 13

EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS SAFETY & WELFARE: EXPLORING AN ACTIVE VOLCANO IN NICARAGUA Earthwatch has a comprehensive emergency response plan for each project, with medical and evacuation insurance included. Earthwatch scientists Hazel Rymer and Glyn Williams-Jones are certified in first aid. Teams will always have cellphones for communication in the field and for emergencies. 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