Www.earthwatch.org/high-school-groups 1 Earthwatch Student Expeditions & [Name of High School] [Ms./Mr. Teacher Name] Presents: Climate and Landscape Change

www.earthwatch.org/high-school-groups1

Earthwatch Student Expeditions&

[Name of High School]

[Ms./Mr. Teacher Name] Presents:Climate and Landscape Change

in Borneo’s Rainforests


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.


The Earthwatch Mission

To engage worldwide in scientific field research and education that promotes

the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable

environment.


Earthwatch Across the Globe

Earthwatch has 20 Student Expeditions in 16 countries.


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.


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!


• 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!


• 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


• 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.


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.


Overview:Climate and Landscape Change in Borneo’s Rainforests

Borneo’s once pristine rainforests have been degraded by logging and destructive agricultural practices, threatening the many plant and animal species that depend on this ecosystem. Here’s your chance

to help us find a way to restore this spectacular forest.


The Research:Climate and Landscape Change in Borneo’s Rainforests

• Trek deep into the heart of the rainforest to assess how key plant and animal groups have been impacted by logging and other human activities.

• Explore why these forests are critically important to provide carbon sequestration, watershed protection, and soil stabilization.

• Better understand this magnificent rainforest, and what must be done to save it.


The Destination:Climate and Landscape Change in Borneo’s Rainforests

Borneo is the third largest island in the world and much of it is covered with tropical rainforest. The island's rainforests have exceptionally rich biodiversity and are home to populations of orangutan, pygmy elephants and rhino, all threatened by the loss of forests

The team will rendezvous in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.


Daily Life In The Field:Climate and Landscape Change in Borneo’s Rainforests

Site Introductions & Training

Fieldwork• Establishing plots and transects to assess, measure, and plant

seedlings• Taking biomass measurements to assess carbon stocks, including

of vegetation removed during climber cutting treatments• Collecting and sorting plant and animal specimens• Placing and processing of litter traps or litterbags at research sites• Taking rainfall measurements at the various research sites• Assessing topography, vegetation type, and canopy cover• Placing and measuring erosion bridges• Collecting and analyzing soil samples

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


Meals & Accommodations:Climate and Landscape Change in Borneo’s Rainforests

• In the field, students will spend one day at the Danum Valley Field Centre. The remainder of the time will be spent at Malua Base Camp.

• Accommodation in both field locations is basic, yet comfortable, consisting of male and female dormitory-style rooms. At both locations, there are conventional facilities.

• Food will be Malaysian style home cooking, such as steamed rice, vegetables, chicken and/or fish dishes.


Lead Scientist:Climate and Landscape Change in Borneo’s Rainforests

Dr. Glen ReynoldsRoyal SocietySE Asia Rainforest Research Programme

Since 2000, Dr. Reynolds has been the program manager and senior scientist of the Royal Society SE Asia Rainforest Research Program. He is based in the Danum Valley Field Centre, the leading tropical forest research centre in South East Asia.

Dr. Reynolds is a post doctoral research fellow of the Department of Geography, University of Wales, Swansea and an Honorary Research Fellow of the NERC Centre for Population Biology.

His main research interests include forest rehabilitation and its impacts on ecosystem functioning and biodiversity.


Safety & Welfare:Climate and Landscape Change in Borneo’s Rainforests

• Earthwatch has a comprehensive Emergency Response Plan for each project, with medical and evacuation insurance included.

• Earthwatch scientists are all fully trained in emergency first aid.

• The nearest medical facility is Lahad Datu Hospital, located 1.5 to 2 hours away from Danum Valley by road. If required, evacuations can be arranged by helicopter.

• Satellite telephone communications are typically available at the main field bases (Danum Valley and Malua) for emergencies. There is mobile phone coverage at the rendezvous point in Lahad Datu, but not at any of the field sites.

• 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.


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


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 protected]][(XXX) XXX-XXXX]

Documents

Www.earthwatch.org/high-school-groups 1 Earthwatch Student Expeditions & [Name of High School] [Ms./Mr. Teacher Name] Presents: Climate and Landscape Change