1. EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS [Teacher Name] presents: Puerto Rico’s Rainforest EARTHWATCH STUDENT EXPEDITIONS [NAME OF HIGH SCHOOL]

2. 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

3. 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

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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS OVERVIEW: PUERTO RICO’S RAINFOREST Millions of acres of rainforests are cleared each year around the world with no thought to future preservation. Help scientists test a new model for the management of the Caribbean’s stunning tropical forests. 10

11. EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS THE RESEARCH: PUERTO RICO’S RAINFOREST Hike through beautiful, tropical rainforest areas, sometimes climbing steep hillsides or following fast flowing rivers, to reach research sites to: Plant and measure trees. Count lizards or frogs by day. Or after dark, experience the sights and sounds of the rainforest at night to help count nocturnal coqui frogs. Help to tag and identify plant species. Set up experimental plots for planting different tree and shrub species. 11

12. EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS MEALS & ACCOMMODATIONS: PUERTO RICO’S RAINFOREST Stay at the Las Casas de la Selva research center in the heart of the rainforest. Sleep in tents on covered platforms with comfortable foam mattresses, or in a newly constructed bunk house. A bathing block has showers and bathroom facilities. You will enjoy an array of world cuisine meals from accomplished cooks. Volunteers take turns as sous chefs and assist with clean up. 12

13. EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS LEAD SCIENTIST: PUERTO RICO’S RAINFOREST Dr. Mark Nelson Chairman and CEO, Institute of Ecotechnics Vice Chairman, Global Ecotechnics Corporation Dr. Nelson is on the front lines of discovering how to keep forests healthy and diverse. In Puerto Rico, he and his team have been using a technique called line planting (planting different tree species among the trees in an already growing forest). “Line planting within secondary forests such as those at Las Casas can increase the value of secondary forests, providing both sustainable timber production for profit and preservation of biodiversity and the other environmental advantages of maintenance of forests,” Dr. Nelson writes in a recent paper. “Enrichment and management of secondary forests should be explored as a promising approach to sustainable forestry.” 13

14. EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS SAFETY & WELFARE: PUERTO RICO’S RAINFOREST Earthwatch has a comprehensive emergency response plan for each project, with medical and evacuation insurance included. Many staff members are trained in first aid, and there is always a vehicle on site or close by if transport is required. Project staff members have cellphones on site for emergency communication to and from anywhere in the world. All volunteers will have up-to-date immunizations. 14

15. 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

16. EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS NEXT STEPS Provide a $300 deposit and the complete 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] [email@schoolname.edu] [(XXX) XXX-XXXX] 16