The following special features are also important to the experience that SCAP projects give to students. Current Earthwatch Principal Investigators may need to adjust their Earthwatch research plan and project logistics to better accommodate some of these criteria.
Challenges that facilitate personal growth
Many aspects of this experience will be challenging depending on the student's previous experience and the learning curve required by the research tasks. Through our placement of students on the different projects, especially our sending students to locations in a very different environment than they know at home, we expose students to new experiences and opportunities on a physical, emotional and intellectual level (e.g. we placed a student from the Bronx on a horned lizard project in Arizona).
State-of-the-art scientific technologies
The funder is interested in technology as well as science; especially keen on students doing research that involves using powerful new scientific instruments and exposure to "gee whiz" technologies such as remote sensing, robotics, state-of-the-art sampling equipment, and even astrophysical telescopes. PIs should feel free to incorporate these new technologies into their research objectives for these teams. Research using radio-telemetry, real-time GPS and GIS might suffice, but more complex technology is encouraged.
Effective participation in real scientific research and team work
These students are high achievers and tend to crave a sense of accomplishment. They're willing to work hard while also wanting to have fun. The research experience needs to be authentic and productive, not a series of exercises made up for the students' education. These students will be disappointed if their work doesn't help their PI get closer to finding answers to important questions.
Opportunities for data analysis and presentation of their research
These students want a taste of what happens after the data is collected and a glimpse of what their data might show. Some PIs have the students give oral presentations to each other and/or to other faculty and students as a culminating event. Teams are asked to create a web page to "publish" their research and other project activities.
An inspiring Principal Investigator
We are looking for PIs who enjoy mentoring young people and have an infectious enthusiasm for life and science. The PIs do not need to already have their doctorate, but they must be working toward that goal. They need to be present in the field with their SCAP students for all, or most, of the team duration, with a Co-PI covering any days that the lead PI is absent. We encourage having a Co-Principal Investigator or two graduate student mentors, at least 3 staff total.
Graduate student mentors
These teams require 24-hour supervision. Our preference is that the extra supervisors be graduate students who can also share their scientific expertise with the students; however, some PIs hire a local high school teacher to serve as a residence assistant. (Earthwatch can help you find a teacher to work with your team if that interests you.) The normal stipend for the GS mentor is $1,000 to $1,500 + room and board.
Other scientists and related research projects occurring at the research site or nearby institutions
The ideal research site is a location where students can also interact with experts and gradate students doing research. Field Stations, Marine or National Laboratories, Medical Research Centers, etc. can be ideal. We discourage projects fielded exclusively at sites far from other scientists and research centers, though part of the time can be spent collecting data at an isolated site.
Sites in regions with a wealth of natural and cultural resources
PIs organize staffed field trips during down-time or scheduled days off to explore some of these special features (e.g. The Grand Canyon, Lake Tahoe, Shakespeare Festivals, and The Georgia O'Keefe Art Museum).
A 12-day minimum to 18-day maximum project duration
If the tasks are harder to learn and/or the PI wants to spend extra time on data analysis, we encourage the longer team duration.
One team of no less than 6 and no more than 8 students
We encourage teams of 8 students, but for some circumstances, 6 or 7 may work better. There have been teams of 10 on SCAP projects, but with 4 staff, and with tasks that more easily accommodate a larger team size.
Time for journal writing
Each Awardee is given a personal journal for the expedition. Great benefit has come from sketching, photography, and other personal activities for processing and documenting this experience. In addition, the PI keeps a team journal to collect similar material.