[Teacher Name] presents: Tracking Costa Rica’s Mammals

EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS

[Teacher Name] presents:

Tracking Costa Rica’s Mammals

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 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

Work with leading scientists in their field as they lead teams of volunteers doing real research:• 4–8 teams per year• 7–20 volunteers per team• 7–15 days team duration• 2–5 research tasks per teamLive in the field in simple but comfortable accommodations.

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OVERVIEW: TRACKING COSTA RICA’S MAMMALSCan sustainable agriculture help revive Costa Rica’s forests? Elusive wild mammals hold clues. Discover how Costa Rica is making it part of everyday life for farmers and helping to save monkeys and other rainforest animals.

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THE RESEARCH: TRACKING COSTA RICA’S MAMMALS• Interview farmers about the land

they use and its wild creatures.• Hike through lush forest, checking

camera traps in the trees to images of wild animals.

• Check hair traps, which have attracted animals by scent, and analyze samples at the lab.

• Take guided bird, snake, and/or frog walk through the rainforest.

• Record height and diameter of plants while measuring canopies.

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MEALS & ACCOMMODATIONS: TRACKING COSTA RICA’S MAMMALS• Your team will stay in the Soltis

Research and Education Center in San Isidro, Costa Rica.

• Your accommodations have comfortable, shared cabins and dorms that offer modern conveniences.

• Rice and beans are staples of the Costa Rican diet, and you’ll also feast on fresh fruit, empanadas, cheese, avocado, and meat.

• Excellent cooks prepare meals, which are served family style in open-air dining rooms at both locations.

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LEAD SCIENTIST: TRACKING COSTA RICA’S MAMMALS

Margot WoodWildlife and FisheriesSciences Department,Texas A&M University

Why Costa Rica?Costa Rica is at the forefront of conservation policy. The National Biological Corridors policy is a large project involving private landowners, government offices, and NGOs. I find this multiscale collaboration fascinating. This work inspires me because I grew up in the San Francisco Bay area near a park used for cattle, recreation, and conservation.I see such multiuse areas as keys to conserving biodiversity.

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SAFETY & WELFARE: TRACKING COSTA RICA’S MAMMALS• Each Earthwatch project has a comprehensive

emergency response plan, with medical and evacuation insurance included.

• Earthwatch staff members are trained in first aid, CPR, and other safety skills.

• 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: Tracking Costa Rica’s Mammals