Earthwatch Research Expedition
Are you an LA-based teen who is passionate about science and wildlife in particular? How would you like to spend two weeks of your summer doing wildlife research in the wilderness with research scientists? This prestigious and selective program run by Earthwatch could be a real boost to your interests, and to your college admissions prospects.
“The Earthwatch Ignite LA Student Science Awards is an innovative free program that aims to stimulate curiosity and interest in science and technology through participation in a fully-funded, scientific environmental research expedition during the summer. While on the expedition, you and your peers will conduct a variety of field and laboratory research activities, collecting data on some of the world’s most pressing environmental and sustainability issues. In addition, you will have time to attend informal lectures on important environmental issues, bond with other students or the research staff during free time or group meals, and explore the beautiful natural landscape that can be called home for the duration of the expedition. Ignite expedition locations have recently included Maine, Texas, Arizona, Colorado, Montana and Utah.”
IMPORTANT NOTE: This program is only available to teens ages 15-18 who live in Los Angeles County.
This program is prestigious and competitive.
How do I get started? Find more information on the Earthwatch website.
How do I expand this narrative arc? If science and sustainability are in your narrative arc and you want to pursue sustainability closer to home consider building on this interest with one of the following:
Build and deploy satellite-tracked Student Drifters that track ocean currents and validate ocean models.
Participate in the Ocean Heroes 3 day Ocean Plastic Pollution bootcamp over the summer
Cap off this arc with an impressive local impact project that involves sustainability in your local community like this Haul Your Daily Trash Stash Campaign.
Be recognized for your contribution to building a more sustainable world through the Brower Youth Awards.
Get a micro-grant to run your local sustainability project through Captain Planet.
Launch an awareness and advocacy campaign to allow (or increase) the recycling of plastic film.
Participate in a quick citizen science project that revolves around the environment or sustainability like The Big Microplastic Survey
Enter an international biomimicry competition for middle and high school students.
HOT TIP: This is a really unique way to get an inside track on real research science, and to get closer to scientists who can help you broaden and deepen your exposure in this area. It will have the greatest impact on you if you expand your work once you get back to your community, whether by continuing your research (ideally in concert with some of the scientists you worked with at Earthwatch).