[teacher name] presents: blazing the biodiversity trail in brazil

EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS

[Teacher Name] presents:

Blazing the Biodiversity

Trailin Brazil

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: BLAZING THE BIODIVERSITY TRAIL IN BRAZILOf all the big cats, we know the least about the rare and solitary jaguar. But we do know that its habitat is disappearing because of destructive agricultural practices. Help researchers find ways to protect the jaguar and other fragile species.

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THE RESEARCH: BLAZING THE BIODIVERSITY TRAIL IN BRAZIL• Set camera traps and search

for evidence of jaguars, pumas, maned wolves, and other wildlife to understand how they cope with growing human development.

• Learn to use dogs trained to safelyseek evidence of wild animals.

• Help equip animals with radio transmitters to monitor their movements and habits.

• Count mammal species (potential jaguar prey) from a boat and while hiking through the tropical forest

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MEALS & ACCOMMODATIONS:BLAZING THE BIODIVERSITY TRAIL IN BRAZIL• Stay at a house bordering Emas

National Park, where most of the research will take place. The house has modern plumbing and a full kitchen

• Eat meals prepared by a local cook. You’ll enjoy tropical fruits and vegetables, and typical Brazilian meals such as rice and beans withbeef, chicken, or fish.

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LEAD SCIENTIST:BLAZING THE BIODIVERSITY TRAIL IN BRAZIL

Dr. Leandro SilveiraJaguar Conservation Fund

Dr. Silveira has a Ph.D. in animal biology from the University of Brasilia. He is the president of the Jaguar Conservation Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to conserving jaguars, their prey, and their habitat. Dr. Silveira has conducted research in Emas National Park since 1994, and has led Earthwatch teams since 2001.

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SAFETY & WELFARE:BLAZING THE BIODIVERSITY TRAIL IN BRAZIL• Earthwatch has a comprehensive emergency response

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

• The project scientists have more than 20 years each of experience living and working in the field across Brazil.

• There is private phone and Internet access in Emas National Park, which can be used by Earthwatch and volunteers in the case of an 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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[teacher name] presents: blazing the biodiversity trail in brazil

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