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Unlike traditional professional development clinics, this series is designed to immerse formal and informal science educators within the culture, environments, education, and research throughout the country. This immersion offers participants from primary to post secondary teaching a comprehensive and experiential platform to widen perspectives and strengthen global science exchange and understanding. If you have yearned to explore the biodiversity of the tropical rainforest, seek linkages within classrooms around the world, participate in active research, or rejoice and celebrate in the art of teaching, your experiences will undoubtedly be transformative.

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SESSION 1 : Global Introduction to Science Education and Research July 18-27, 2010

Participants of this session are introduced to key fundamental themes and priorities of scientific research, education and conservation of Costa Rica. Through observation, discussion, and active immersion, teachers will explore a variety of current ongoing research initiatives , along with surveying classroom pedagogy and curriculum within both urban and rural educational systems. This workshop will introduce teachers to varying ecosystems based on elevation, rainfall, and geography.

Activities Include:

• Participate in a panel discussion on education and research of Costa Rica
• Interact with the researchers at Earth University
• Explore the projects at the National Biodiversity Institute
• Engage in inquiry hikes in diverse rainforests
• Collaborate with local educators in their school systems
• Witness crocodile conservation projects
• Explore the resources of Costa Rica National Park System
• Investigate estuarine and marine environments

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Sold Out! SESSION 2 : Global Inquiry and Science Investigations July 28 - August 6, 2010

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2009 Participant Reflections:

My eyes have become bigger after this trip, meaning, I am ready to do so much more not only in the classroom but in my own personal life. I don’t know exactly what I’m going to, but I feel like I have a fire in me and I’m ready to take on the world. I have become more aware of true scientific research taking place within the rainforest and the importance of protecting the plant and wildlife species that rely on the rainforests. I often hear and read about the destruction of forests and the endangered species , but touching and observing those trees and animals that soon may be gone made an impression on me. It makes me want to do more for the planet and teach my students what they can do and how to be more environmentally conscious. My soul has been touched by this experience.

I will be sharing my experience with my school’s Spanish classes and on Cultural Heritage day in the elementary school. I also plan to become more active with my local Parks and Recreation Department to help with conservation projects. I am currently an Environmental Science graduate student and will be giving a presentation of my trip to other graduate students. Not only do I want to take my Jr. High students to Costa Rica, but I am also debating on organizing a trip for graduate students to go for graduate credit. A future lesson I would like my students to complete is a comparison of our ecosystem and biodiversity to the Sarapiqui region of Costa Rica. Attending the NSTA Costa Rica trip has made a very large impact on me.

Thanks for your efforts in organizing a true learning experience.

Pura Vida!!

Kathryn Elkins, 2009