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Earthwatch Student Expeditions&

[Name of High School]

[Ms./Mr. Teacher Name] Presents:South Africa’s Hyenas

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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.

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The Earthwatch Mission

To engage worldwide in scientific field research and education that promotes

the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable

environment.

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Earthwatch Across the Globe

Earthwatch has 20 Student Expeditions in 16 countries.

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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.

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Earthwatch Learning Framework

Hands-onenvironmental field research

Informal learning

experience

HeadBuilding knowledge and skills

HeartInspiring passion and commitment

HandsTurning ideas into action

Environmental leaders who inspire real, lasting change

The experience The impact The outcome

The Earthwatch experience can be life-changing!

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• 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!

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• 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

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• 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.

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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.

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Overview:South Africa’s Hyenas

Hyaenas, vultures, dung beetles, and other scavengers have an essential role in African ecosystems. Join an expedition to study

them near the Pilanesberg Massif in South Africa.

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The Research:South Africa’s Hyenas

• During the day, look for sightings or signs of hyaenas, vultures, and beetles 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.

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The Destination:South Africa’s Hyenas

Travel to the Southern African bushveld, a classic African savanna of mixed grasses spotted with trees. The Pilanesberg National Park offers dramatic scenery in the remains of an extinct volcano with a chance to see zebras, white rhinos, lions, elephants, wildebeest, and leopards.

The team will rendezvous in Johannesburg, South Africa.

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Daily Life In The Field:South Africa’s Hyenas

Orientation and training

Fieldwork• Spoor and sign surveys• Camera trap setting and monitoring• Night time call-ins and night drives for carnivores• Behavioral studies• Vulture roost counts and power line surveys• Collating results and review sessions• Dung beetle experiments• Prey assessment• Scent station monitoring• Den searching

Note: Actual activities performed may vary depending on weather and other variables.

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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.

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Lead Scientist:South Africa’s Hyenas

Dr. Dawn ScottUniversity of Brighton, UK

Dr. Scott holds a degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Durham and earned her Ph.D. researching desert rodents in Jordan.

Dr. Scott has more than 10 years of research experience in mammal ecology, biodiversity, and behavior. She has done research on human-wildlife conflict in Jordan, Chile, Zambia, South Africa, Indonesia, and the UK. As a visiting research fellow at the Zoological Society of London, she investigated how endangered cat species can survive outside protected areas.

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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.

• The nearest doctor is located 20 minutes from the field site, and the nearest hospital is 45 minutes from the field site.

• 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.

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Passports & Visas – Citizens of the U.S. and Europe DO need a passport, but DO NOT need tourist visas 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

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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]