[teacher name] presents: amazon riverboat exploration

EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS

[Teacher Name] presents:

Amazon Riverboat

Exploration

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: AMAZON RIVERBOAT EXPLORATIONThe rainforests of the Amazon are virtually overflowing with plants and animals. Hop aboard a riverboat to help save the Amazon Basin’s pink dolphins, giant river otters, monkeys, turtles, macaws, and other fragile species.

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THE RESEARCH: AMAZON RIVERBOAT EXPLORATION• Travel with a team of biologists to

collect information about wildlife.• From a motorized canoe, conduct

surveys of dolphins, fish, and turtles.

• Hike through the rainforest and record sightings of monkeys, birds, and other species.

• At night, search for caimans (a small freshwater alligator) and bats with spotlights.

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MEALS & ACCOMMODATIONS:AMAZON RIVERBOAT EXPLORATION• Travel on one of the project’s

large, historic research boats• Stay in a single, double, or triple

cabin with air-conditioning and its own bathroom.

• Share buffet-style breakfasts, lunches, and dinners with teammates and researchers.

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LEAD SCIENTIST:AMAZON RIVERBOAT EXPLORATION

Dr. Richard BodmerDurrell Institute of Conservation and EcologyThe Wildlife Conservation Society

Dr. Bodmer was born in England in 1960 and spent his youth in Chicago, where he worked with the Brookfield Zoo. He completed his Ph.D. in zoology at the University of Cambridge in England. Dr. Bodmer has worked in the Amazon for almost two decades.

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SAFETY & WELFARE:AMAZON RIVERBOAT EXPLORATION• Earthwatch has a comprehensive emergency response

plan for each project, with medical and evacuation insurance included.

• The Earthwatch scientist is certified in first aid. Boat crew members are all certified in water safety.

• A certified nurse travels onboard the boat while the team is in the field.

• The boat has a satellite telephone and shortwave radio for emergency use. The crew also communicates daily with the research office in Iquitos.

• 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 withdetails 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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[teacher name] presents: amazon riverboat exploration

Documents

earthwatch expeditionlearn

research expeditions

expeditionsthe research

research teams

hours of research

research tasks

research areas

scientific field research