Live From the Field Fellowships

Imagine exploring the Costa Rican rainforest in search of caterpillars, monitoring mammals to determine potential impacts of climate change, or monitoring ecosystems and greenhouse gases at the arctic’s edge. Now imagine sharing those experiences with your students from across the globe in real time, thousands of miles away. Earthwatch's Live from the Field Fellowship program can make it happen.

Live from the Field Fellowship Overview
A Live from the Field Fellowship is the perfect opportunity for educators to participate in Earthwatch expeditions and share them with their students. Live from the Field educators join research teams on one- to two-week expeditions during the school year and share their experiences directly with their students back at home by posting journal entries, photos, lessons and suggested activities online, as well as through live video or phone conferences with their classrooms. Live from the Field was conceived over a decade ago and has grown through a longstanding partnership with the National Geographic Education Foundation. Since its inception, the program has attracted the support of some of our leading corporate partners.  

Given the opportunity to work with leading scientists at research stations around the world, participants gain field research skills, explore different cultures, and learn about global conservation issues. Some Live from the Field awardees will also be paired with an additional host classroom to share in their adventures. Wherever you find yourself, the experience is sure to transform your life and inspire your students.

Excited yet?
Here's a small taste of some available expeditions:

(please note all indicated costs are covered through a fellowship award)

Hunting for Caterpillars in La Selva

Hunting for Caterpillars in La Selva, Costa Rica
Explore the fascinating world of caterpillars: diner or dinner?

Climate Change in the Mackenzie Mountains

Climate Change at the Arctic's Edge
Help monitor the Arctic's vast stores of greenhouse gasses

Mammals of Nova Scotia

Mammals of Nova Scotia
Monitor mammal populations to determine the impacts of climate change

Fellowship Eligibility
This opportunity is available to all K-12 educators working in the U.S., regardless of the subject or grade level taught.

Fellowship Coverage
A Live from the Field Fellowship covers all costs associated with the research, food and accommodations. Live from the Field awards also include a stipend, based on time spend out of the classroom, to cover substitute fees incurred by your school or district. Fellowship awardees are responsible for arranging and financing their travel to and from the research site; however, a partial travel reimbursement is awarded upon completion of all fellowship requirements. Fellowship requirement details can be found on our Fellowship Obligations page.

Fellowship Selection Process
Fellowships are awarded through a competitive application process. Criteria used to assign fellows to expeditions include the candidate's interests, skills and availability along with demonstrated proficiency and support in using technology in the classroom. Feel free to contact us directly with any specific questions regarding our review process at: FellowshipAwards@earthwatch.org or 1-800-776-0188 x 268.

Application Deadline
Candidates applying for placement during the 2008-09 school year must submit an application by June 1st to be considered.

Ready to Apply?
(Note - you will need the latest version of Adobe Reader to open these files)

The partnerships that have made this program possible:

National Geographic Education Foundation
Wells Fargo

Resources

TeachLive Sites
TeachLive Sites Archive
How to Setup a LFF Blog
LFF Tech Tools & Tips
Education Fellowships FAQ

Would you like to nominate a teacher for this opportunity?
If so, fill out a nomination form.



Teacher in canoe
Teacher talking on a satelite phone in a canoe

Student talks with teacher with voice and video
Students speak with teacher with voice and video over ip

"Little did I realize how infectious this experience was to become. The real life stories, images, and teleconferencing provided students with a more meaningful connection than any report ever could."
Gr. 7 Teacher, WA