[Teacher Name] presents: Thinking Like an Elephant in Thailand

EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS

[Teacher Name] presents:

Thinking Like an Elephant in Thailand

EARTHWATCHSTUDENT EXPEDITIONS

[NAME OF HIGH SCHOOL]


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.

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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.

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EARTHWATCH AROUND THE GLOBE

Earthwatch has 20 Student Expeditions in 16 countries.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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).

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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.

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OVERVIEW: THINKING LIKE AN ELEPHANT IN THAILANDAsian elephants are capable of remarkable cooperation and intelligence when faced with complex tasks. But, no matter how clever they are, they can’t solve the problem of their endangered status without your help.

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THE RESEARCH: THINKING LIKE AN ELEPHANT IN THAILAND• Conduct safe, noninvasive

experiments with elephants that live at Thailand’s Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation to deepen our understanding of their behavior.

• Answers questions about how elephants think, such as:– How do elephants remember the

location of family members, or food and water sources?

– How do they interact with each other, and people, in and out of their natural environments?

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MEALS & ACCOMMODATIONS: THINKING LIKE AN ELEPHANT IN THAILAND• Stay at a guesthouse with single

and double rooms that have fans or A/C and western-style bathrooms

• Eat delicious Thai food at restaurants or at the guesthouse. Thai cuisine typically consists of rice or noodle-based dishes with meat, seafood or vegetables.

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LEAD SCIENTIST: THINKING LIKE AN ELEPHANT IN THAILAND

Dr. Joshua PlotnikHead of Elephant ResearchGolden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation (GTAEF)

Dr. Joshua Plotnik received his Ph.D. at Emory University in the U.S., where he studying animal behavior and psychology. In addition to elephants, he has worked with crows and chimpanzees.Joshua heads elephant research at GTAEF, where volunteers will work. He also founded Think Elephants International, a U.S.-based nonprofit that brings wildlife conservation programs into elementary and high school.

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SAFETY & WELFARE: THINKING LIKE AN ELEPHANT IN THAILAND• Each Earthwatch project has a comprehensive emergency

response plan, with medical and evacuation insurance included.

• Dr. Joshua Plotnik and one other staff member are trained in first aid and CPR.

• All volunteers will have up-to-date immunizations.

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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).

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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 protected]][(XXX) XXX-XXXX]

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[Teacher Name] presents: Thinking Like an Elephant in Thailand

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