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Earthwatch Student Expeditions&

[Name of High School]

[Ms./Mr. Teacher Name] Presents:Mammals of Nova Scotia

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Who Is Earthwatch?

Since 1971, Earthwatch has been enabling people from all walks of life to join leading scientists working on

crucial environmental research projects locally and globally.

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The Earthwatch Mission

To engage worldwide in scientific field research and education that promotes

the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable

environment.

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Earthwatch Across the Globe

Earthwatch has 20 Student Expeditions in 16 countries.

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Earthwatch Research Pillars

Earthwatch expeditions provide a chance to take a one of a kind journey to conserve and explore our shared planet across one of four research pillars.

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Earthwatch Learning Framework

Hands-onenvironmental field research

Informal learning

experience

HeadBuilding knowledge and skills

HeartInspiring passion and commitment

HandsTurning ideas into action

Environmental leaders who inspire real, lasting change

The experience The impact The outcome

The Earthwatch experience can be life-changing!

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• 3,153 participants aged 10 to 80 who volunteered to join an expedition

• 141,518 hours of research contributed by volunteers across our whole portfolio of projects

Earthwatch By The Numbers

Last year, Earthwatch had:

Research teams typically are composed of 3 to 5 staff members, plus one or more teacher chaperones – so your teen is in excellent hands!

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• Experiential learning through scientific field research

• Educational opportunities and one-to-one time with scientists

• Boosting experience for university applications, professional development, and career resumes

• Exploring career paths

• Supporting local communities or community-based learning

• Personal growth and building confidence

Benefits of Participation with Earthwatch

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• In High School – More than 80% had a GPA of 3.0 or higher

• In College – More than 88% received a college degree

• In Life – Half of travelers surveyed reported a household income of more than $75,000 as adults

Benefits of International Travel

According to The Impact of Early Travel Experiences, students who traveled internationally before the age of 18 are more likely to have success later in life:

Source: Citation from the Student Youth & Travel Association (SYTA) from a 2010 survey.

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Work with leading scientists in their field as they lead teams of volunteers doing real research:

A Typical Earthwatch Project

• 4 – 8 teams per year

• 7 – 20 volunteers per team

• 7 – 15 days team duration

• 2 – 5 research tasks per team

Live in the field in simple but comfortable accommodations.

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Overview:Mammals of Nova Scotia

Learn about climate change in nature’s classroom. Earthwatch volunteers travel to the unspoiled wilds of Nova Scotia to study

the consequences of a changing climate on mammal populations.

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The Research:Mammals of Nova Scotia

• The perfect fit for an animal lover, volunteers work closely with animals in many ways.

• Help trap, handle and release chipmunks, mice, voles and squirrels.

• Monitor larger animals, such as porcupines, deer, beavers, raccoons and bears, through video surveillance, camera traps, and observation.

• Monitor climate change effects and develop theories on how to respond to this global threat.

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The Destination:Mammals of Nova Scotia

Research takes place in the pristine ecosystem of Nova Scotia, where endless miles of lush forest roll to the rocky shoreline. Depending on the goals of the team, students hike through meadows, beaches, woods, and wetlands in Cook’s Lake, East Port Medway, or Cherry Hill.

The team will rendezvous in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

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Daily Life In The Field:Mammals of Nova Scotia

Training at Cook’s Lake Reserve

Fieldwork• Set and check small mammal traps• Field sign transects• Deer dropping counts• Camera trap deployment• GPS mapping

Set-up a wildlife garden

Data Analysis and Visit to Thomas Raddall Provincial Park

Note: Actual activities performed may vary depending on weather and other variables.

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Meals & Accommodations:Mammals of Nova Scotia

• Students will stay in traditional South Shore accommodations, in single-gender, double rooms with twin beds & shared bathrooms.

• Accommodations include a lecture room and a large garden with a deck for relaxing in the evening.

• Spectacular white-sand beaches, rocky inlets, and salty lagoons pepper this coastline, including some of the few remaining breeding areas for the endangered piping plover.

• Nutritious meals will be provided, sometimes featuring local specialties. Students will assist with kitchen clean-up.

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Lead Scientist:Mammals of Nova Scotia

Dr. Christina BueschingWildlife Conservation Unit (WildCru)Oxford University

Christina was born in Winnipeg, Canada, in 1969 and is a Research Associate with the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit at Oxford University. She’s been coming to Nova Scotia for more than 20 years.

Christina has a Masters of Science. from the German Primate Center, Göttingen, on the reproductive physiology and behavior of the female lesser mouse lemur and a D.Phil. from Oxford University investigating mammalian sociality and communication in badgers.

She is a founder and committee member of the Tracking Mammals Partnership and serves on the group focusing on volunteer involvement. Christina has two years of experience teaching general zoology to final year students in Germany and has worked as a Science Officer with Earthwatch Europe. Christina is a member of the committee of the Tobeatic Research Institute of Nova Scotia.

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Safety & Welfare:Mammals of Nova Scotia

• Earthwatch has a comprehensive Emergency Response Plan for each project, with medical and evacuation insurance included.

• Earthwatch scientists are certified in safety training and First Aid.

• In case of emergency, South Shore Regional Hospital is 9 miles from the field site (15-30 minutes by car).

• Team leaders will have cell phones with them at all times for emergency communication. If volunteers are divided into smaller sub-teams, they will be equipped with two-way radios.

• All volunteers will have up-to-date immunizations.

• For complete details, see the Expedition Briefing Guide, which will be provided 90 days prior to the expedition.

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Passports & Visas – Citizens of the U.S. and Europe DO need a passport, but DO NOT need tourist visas for entry. Minors must 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 – MedEvac assistance, advice, and insurance are included in the contribution you pay to Earthwatch.

Flights – Coordinate through the teacher leading the expedition.

Language – All Earthwatch projects are held in English, regardless of the in-country language spoken.

Packing Requirements – An Expedition Briefing Guide will be provided 90 days before the expedition with details of what to bring.

Other Considerations

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Next Steps

• Provide $300 deposit and 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]