1. www.earthwatch.org/high-school-groups 1 Earthwatch Student Expeditions & [Name of High School] [Ms./Mr. Teacher Name] Presents: Whales and Dolphins Under the California Sun

2. www.earthwatch.org/high-school-groups 2 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.

3. www.earthwatch.org/high-school-groups 3 The Earthwatch Mission To engage worldwide in scientific field research and education that promotes the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment.

4. www.earthwatch.org/high-school-groups 4 Earthwatch Across the Globe Earthwatch has 20 Student Expeditions in 16 countries.

5. www.earthwatch.org/high-school-groups 5 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.

6. www.earthwatch.org/high-school-groups 6 Earthwatch Learning Framework Hands-on environmental field research Hands-on environmental field research Informal learning experience Head Building knowledge and skills Heart Inspiring passion and commitment Hands Turning ideas into action Environmental leaders who inspire real, lasting change The experience The impact The outcome The Earthwatch experience can be life-changing!

7. www.earthwatch.org/high-school-groups 7 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!

8. www.earthwatch.org/high-school-groups 8 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

9. www.earthwatch.org/high-school-groups 9 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.

10. www.earthwatch.org/high-school-groups 10 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.

11. www.earthwatch.org/high-school-groups 11 Overview: Whales and Dolphins Under the California Sun Share the famed waters off Southern California with a diversity of whales and dolphins. Seek, photograph, and identify these magnificent mammals from on deck and on shore, gathering data essential for their safety along the North American coast.

12. www.earthwatch.org/high-school-groups 12 The Research: Whales and Dolphins Under the California Sun Take photographs of whales, mapping their locations, and video-recording any unusual behaviors. From the shore, spot whales and track their movement using a theodolite. Use GIS technology to examine spatial relationships between marine mammal distribution patterns and oceanic and human variables.

13. www.earthwatch.org/high-school-groups 13 The Destination: Whales and Dolphins Under the California Sun Research is conducted from the coast of Southern California to Palos Verdes to Dana Point, and offshore to Santa Catalina Island. This strikingly beautiful area includes the busy port of Los Angeles Harbor, the shipping lanes, and marine protected areas. The team will rendezvous in Huntington Beach, California, U.S.A.

14. www.earthwatch.org/high-school-groups 14 Daily Life In The Field: Whales and Dolphins Under the California Sun Fieldwork Transects – survey the region by conducting surveys along a transect line from a small speed boat. During transects, marine mammal sightings data will be collected. Shore observations – observe marine mammals from shore without the influence of human presence. Whale Watch Surveys – from a commercial whale watch vessel. Data Analysis – including GIS mapping, photographic matching, and calculation of respiration patterns. Note: Actual activities performed may vary depending on weather and other variables.

15. www.earthwatch.org/high-school-groups 15 Meals & Accommodations: Whales and Dolphins Under the California Sun Students stay in a waterfront townhouse in the mainland town of Huntington Beach. Bedrooms are dorm-style, with no more than four people to a room. Amenities include a pool, a Jacuzzi and tennis courts for relaxation during recreational times. Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies Credit: Southern California Marine Institute One night will be spent in an apartment on Catalina Island at the University of Southern California Wrigley Marine Science Center. Students will help prepare meals with the whole team in the house’s kitchen.

16. www.earthwatch.org/high-school-groups 16 Lead Scientist: Whales and Dolphins Under the California Sun Dr. Lei Lani Stelle University of Redlands Coastal Ecosystems Research Foundation Dr. Stelle is Associate Professor of Biology in the Department of Biology at the University of Redlands. Prior to this, she had spent six years as an Assistant Professor at Rochester Institute of Technology in New York. Dr. Stelle’s research interests are the physiological ecology of aquatic mammals. She is Vice-President of a non-profit research group, Coastal Ecosystems Research Foundation. Dr. Stelle grew up in Huntington Beach and has been studying marine mammals for 20 years.

17. www.earthwatch.org/high-school-groups 17 Safety & Welfare: Whales and Dolphins Under the California Sun Earthwatch has a comprehensive Emergency Response Plan for each project, with medical and evacuation insurance included. Dr. Stelle is certified in safety training, including CPR and first aid. The nearest hospital is Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, located 12 miles from house – an approximate 20-minute drive. All staff will carry personal cell phones. If out of range while on a boat, there is a marine radio which can be used in the case of emergency. 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.

18. www.earthwatch.org/high-school-groups 18 Passports & Visas for International Travelers – Citizens coming from outside of the U.S. DO need a passport. Citizens of the EU, Australia, Canada and Japan do NOT need a tourist visa 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

19. www.earthwatch.org/high-school-groups 19 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]