[teacher name] presents: swimming with sea turtles in the bahamas

EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS

[Teacher Name] presents:

Swimming with Sea Turtles in the Bahamas

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: SWIMMING WITH SEA TURTLES IN THE BAHAMASJoin us in the Bahamas to swim with sea turtles, find their favorite habitats, and help protect them from climate change and coastal development.

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THE RESEARCH: SWIMMING WITH SEA TURTLES IN THE BAHAMAS• Spot and tag turtles from the water

or from boats and record their locations via GPS.

• Snorkel through prime turtle habitat

to measure on water temperature, plant life, and other characteristics

• Set out and collect underwater video cameras, and analyze footage of the animals that swim within their view.

• Process data and learn from research presentations.

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MEALS & ACCOMMODATIONS: SWIMMING WITH SEA TURTLES IN THE BAHAMAS• You’ll stay at the Cape Eleuthera

Institute (CEI), a hub of environmental research and education.

• The institute’s dorm-style rooms, steps away from beautiful beaches and coral reefs, have bunk beds, ceiling fans, and ocean views.

• Your team will share buffet-style meals in a communal dining room with other visiting researchers and students, giving you the opportunity to learn about other fascinating research going on at CEI.

• Expect a delicious mix of traditional, fresh Caribbean and American food.

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LEAD SCIENTIST: SWIMMING WITH SEA TURTLES IN THE BAHAMAS

Annabelle BrooksResearch Manager, Cape Eleuthera Research Institute

Why Sea Turtles?Through studying sea turtlesI have the opportunity to interact with what I believe to be one of the most charismatic of marine species. The beauty of these ancient creatures leaves me in awe and inspired to contribute towards their continued existence in our oceans.

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SAFETY & WELFARE: SWIMMING WITH SEA TURTLES IN THE BAHAMAS• The Earthwatch staff is certified in safety training, and

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

• The project will use CEI communication equipment where appropriate (e.g., VHF radios on boats). Mobile phones also work on much of the island.

• 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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[teacher name] presents: swimming with sea turtles in the bahamas

Documents

earthwatch expeditionlearn

research expeditions

expeditionsthe research

research teams

hours of research

research presentations

research tasks

research areas