[Teacher Name] presents: Snorkeling to Protect Reefs in the Bahamas

1. [Teacher Name] presents: Snorkeling to Protect Reefs in the Bahamas EarthwatchStudent Expeditions [Name of High School]

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Earthwatch Around the Globe Earthwatch has 20 Student Expeditions in 16 countries.

5. 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.

6. 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!

7. 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.

8. 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). 

9. 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.

10. Overview: Snorkeling to Protect Reefs in The Bahamas Grab your snorkel mask and strap on those flippers! We want you to help Earthwatch protect fish populations and marine habitats. Join our scientists in the Bahamas as they discover how mangrove creeks and coral reefs depend on each other.

11. The research: Snorkeling to Protect Reefs in The Bahamas • Snorkel in reefs and mangrove creeks to identify and count fish. You’ll also work in the lab to test samples from fish and do experiments. • Learn how to identify fish species, how to estimate the length of a fish underwater, and how scientists spot key fish behaviors. • The bulk of your time will be spentin the water—so solid swimming and snorkeling skills are a must!

12. Meals & Accommodations: Snorkeling to Protect Reefs in The Bahamas • Stay at the Cape EleutheraInstitute (CEI), a comfortable research station, in dorm-style rooms that can host up to eight students. • Morning, midday, and evening meals will be in a central dining area (shared with other staffand researchers at CEI). • Enjoy American and Caribbean fare prepared by a local cook. Many fruits and vegetables are grown right at CEI. Students help with basic clean up.

13. Lead Scientist: Snorkeling to Protect Reefs in The Bahamas Dr. Alastair HarborneNERC Independent Research FellowUniversity of Exeter, UK Dr. Harborne is a coral reef ecologist with interests in fish and coral ecology, and the use of ecological insights to aid biodiversity conservation. His key research interest concerns the processes affecting the abundance of reef fishes on coral reefs. He also studies the landscape ecology of reefs and the design and effects of marine reserves. Dr. Harborne holds a Ph.D. from The University of Exeter. He’s also an avid scuba diver.

14. Safety & Welfare: Snorkeling to Protect Reefs in The Bahamas • Earthwatch has a comprehensive emergency response plan for each project, with medical and evacuation insurance included. • Dr. Alastair Harborne is certified as an emergency first responder. • Staff members have cellphones and VHF radios for the boats that will always be available in case of an emergency. • All volunteers will have up-to-date immunizations.

15. 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).

16. 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@schoolname.edu][(XXX) XXX-XXXX]