EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS [Teacher Name] presents: Climate Change at the Arctic’s Edge EARTHWATCH STUDENT EXPEDITIONS [NAME OF

EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS

[Teacher Name] presents:

Climate Change at the Arctic’s

Edge

EARTHWATCHSTUDENT EXPEDITIONS

[NAME OF HIGH SCHOOL]


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.

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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.

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EARTHWATCH AROUND THE GLOBE

Earthwatch has 20 Student Expeditions in 16 countries.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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).

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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.

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OVERVIEW: CLIMATE CHANGE AT THE ARCTIC’S EDGE

Churchill, Manitoba is famous for its polar bears and its dramatic Arctic landscapes. Explore this spectacular region as you gather data on climate change before it melts the Arctic away. You might even get a glimpse of the northern lights.

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THE RESEARCH: CLIMATE CHANGE AT THE ARCTIC’S EDGE

• Use cutting-edge research equipment to calculate greenhouse gases.

• Trap and release small mammals to evaluate how they’re doing, and monitor plant growth.

• February teams will travel on a sled towed by a snowmobile to classify ice crystals and evaluate the snowpack.

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MEALS & ACCOMMODATIONS: CLIMATE CHANGE AT THE ARCTIC’S EDGE

• Stay at the Churchill Northern Studies Centre (CNSC), a bustling research hub.

• Sleep in dorm rooms that accommodate up to eight people (single-sex). Share modern bathrooms.

• Eat in CNSC’s cafeteria. Meals typically including a choice of salads, desserts, entrees, and a vegetarian alternative, along with fresh bread and snacks.

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LEAD SCIENTIST: CLIMATE CHANGE AT THE ARCTIC’S EDGE

Dr. LeeAnn FishbackChurchill Northern Studies CentreUniversity of Winnipeg

LeeAnn Fishback is an environmental geochemist focusing on freshwater lake and pond water chemistry in Arctic and Subarctic regions. She has a Ph.D. from Western University in Canada. She lives in Churchill, Manitoba, full-time as a northern field research scientist. Her passion for the north has grown over the past 20 years, and she enjoys living in the remote areas of the country. Dr. Fishback has been the scientific coordinator at the Churchill NorthernStudies Centre for the past 10 years. She is also an adjunct professor in the Department of Geography at the University of Winnipeg.

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SAFETY & WELFARE: CLIMATE CHANGE AT THE ARCTIC’S EDGE

• Earthwatch has a comprehensive emergency response plan for each project, with medical and evacuation insurance included.

• Earthwatch scientists are certified in safety training. LeeAnn Fishback is certified in wilderness first aid and CPR.

• Members of the staff carry portable radios that connect to

the base at CNSC and that can be used in emergencies. • All volunteers will have up-to-date immunizations.

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OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

• Passports and 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 includesinsurance 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).

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NEXT STEPS

• Provide a $300 deposit and complete a 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 protected]][(XXX) XXX-XXXX]

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Documents

EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS [Teacher Name] presents: Climate Change at the Arctic’s Edge EARTHWATCH STUDENT EXPEDITIONS [NAME OF