Washington, D.C., July 30, 2013 - Philippe Cousteau’s nonprofit EarthEcho International (www.earthecho.org) today announced the launch of EarthEcho Expeditions, an unprecedented initiative that leverages the rich Cousteau legacy of exploration and discovery to bring science education alive for today’s 21st century learners.

“EarthEcho Expeditions represents the culmination of more than a decade of working with educators and youth from around the world,” said EarthEcho President and Co-founder Philippe Cousteau, Jr.  “EarthEcho Expeditions uses the thrill of adventure to inspire and empower a new generation of environmental champions.”

EarthEcho Expeditions will be an annual program that will travel the world to engage young people in a voyage of discovery. The first journey begins September 3, 2013 in one of the world’s largest aquatic dead zones located in the center of the Chesapeake Bay with EarthEcho Expedition: Into the Dead Zone. From investigating the depths of urban storm drains to scuba diving in the heart of the dead zone, Philippe Cousteau’s team will immerse young people in an exciting exploration of one of the most important environments in the United States. Known as America’s watershed, the Bay and its surrounding communities are rich in history and were once rich in sea and wildlife providing an ideal setting to explore both the environmental and economic impact of this critical global issue.

EarthEcho Expedition: Into the Dead Zone transforms learning for middle and high school students through three phases that span a year of youth engagement and community action.

• EXPLORE – From September 3 – 13, Philippe Cousteau will lead a team of students, scientists, and community leaders on an adventure from the Atlantic Ocean to the source of this vital watershed through the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and New York. Along the way they will profile young people who are tackling the causes of dead zones and creating solutions in communities throughout the watershed.  Real-time updates on social media and EarthEcho digital platforms provide a front row seat to the Expedition as it happens.
• ENGAGE AND EMPOWER – Beginning in October, EarthEcho Expedition: Into the Dead Zone’s Water Planet Challenge inspired classroom programs and materials will provide unique tools to educators as they equip young people to explore and protect their local natural resources.  From lesson plans and action guides to webinars and an original documentary-style video series, all Expedition materials are developed to help educators teach critical elements of Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core State Standards.  All Expedition resources are provided free of charge for registered participants.
• ACT – The Expedition platform provides educators with the materials and resources to support students in applying classroom knowledge in their daily lives. Young people are able pro-actively examine local environmental issues, prepare to solve a problem, take action, and apply their knowledge to drive positive change in their community.

To learn more about EarthEcho Expeditions or to find out how to incorporate EarthEcho Expeditions resources into your classroom, please go to www.earthecho.org/programs/earthecho-expeditions

EarthEcho Expedition: Into the Dead Zone is made possible through the generous support and resources provided by our partners including: Annapolis Maritime Museum; Canaan Valley Institute; Earth Conservation Corps; Earth Force; GenerationON; H20 Plus; the Lancaster County Conservation District; NEA Foundation; NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office; the Oyster Recovery Partnership; the Toyota U.S.A. Foundation; and Waterkeepers Chesapeake.

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