[Teacher Name] presents: Whales and Dolphins Under the California Sun

EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS

[Teacher Name] presents:

Whales and Dolphins Under

the California Sun

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 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.

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OVERVIEW: WHALES AND DOLPHINS UNDER THE CALIFORNIA SUNTake to the Pacific Ocean off Southern California to search for, photograph, and identify whales and dolphins. You’ll help collect data essential for their safety as they swim along the coast.

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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 Verdesand Dana Point, spot whales andtrack their movement.

• Use GIS technology to examinespatial relationships between marine mammal distribution patterns and oceanic and human variables.

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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 house’s kitchen.

Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies

Credit: Southern California Marine Institute

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LEAD SCIENTIST: WHALES AND DOLPHINS UNDER THE CALIFORNIA SUN

Dr. Lei Lani StelleUniversity of RedlandsCoastal 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.

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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.

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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).

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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][[email protected]][(XXX) XXX-XXXX]

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Documents

[Teacher Name] presents: Whales and Dolphins Under the California Sun