EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS [Teacher Name] presents: South Africa’s Hyenas EARTHWATCH STUDENT EXPEDITIONS [NAME OF HIGH SCHOOL]

EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS 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. 2

EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS 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. 3

EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS EARTHWATCH AROUND THE GLOBE Earthwatch has 20 Student Expeditions in 16 countries. 4

EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS 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. 5

EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS 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! 6

EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS 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. 7

EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS 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). 8

EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS 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. 9

EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS OVERVIEW: SOUTH AFRICA’S HYENAS Hyenas, vultures, and other scavengers play an essential role in African ecosystems. Join an expedition to study them, and the animals that share their habitat, near the Pilanesberg Massif in South Africa. 10

EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS THE RESEARCH: SOUTH AFRICA’S HYENAS During the day, look for signs of hyenas, vultures, and other scavengers from vehicles or on foot. At night, count leopards and lions by playing tape recordings of sounds of their prey to attract them to spotlights. Help set up camera traps to take automatic pictures of passing animals. Help capture and tag vultures, as well as capture and identify dung beetles— the region’s most beautiful insects. 11

EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS MEALS & ACCOMMODATIONS: SOUTH AFRICA’S HYENAS A local chef will prepare international and South African dishes, including poitjiekos (game stew) and braai (barbeque), using game from the reserve. You’ll stay at a field camp in the heart of Mankwe Wildlife Reserve near the Pilanesberg Massif. You’ll sleep in a two-room brick house, a wooden cabin, or in a walk-in safari tent with hot showers and flush toilets. 12

EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS LEAD SCIENTIST: SOUTH AFRICA’S HYENAS Dr. Dawn Scott University of Brighton, UK Dr. Dawn Scott earned her Ph.D. researching desert rodents in Jordan. She has more than 10 years of research experience in mammal ecology, biodiversity, and behavior, and has worked on human-wildlife conflict in Jordan, Chile, Zambia, South Africa, Indonesia, and the U.K. As a visiting research fellow at the Zoological Society of London, she investigated how endangered cat species can survive outside protected areas. 13

EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS SAFETY & WELFARE: SOUTH AFRICA’S HYENAS Earthwatch has a comprehensive emergency response plan for each project, with medical and evacuation insurance included. Dr. Scott and several other staff members are certified in CPR and first aid. All volunteers will have up-to-date immunizations. 14

EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS 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). 15

EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS NEXT STEPS Provide a $300 deposit and the 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] [(XXX) XXX-XXXX] 16