Central and South America

Panama | Professional Development for STEM Education Leaders

Led by Page Keeley and Joyce Tugel
Date:
Jun 28 - Jul 9, 2018
Duration:
12 Days
Price:
From $4,150
Interests:
Professional Development
Join This Trip Print Itinerary
Miraflores Locks, Panama Canal
Panama City skyline
Bay-headed Tanager
Mangroves in Bocas del Toro
Barú Volcano
La Loma tree frog
Three-toed sloth
Boquete
Bocas del Toro
Join This Trip
Join This Trip

About this trip

At the junction of two continents and the gateway to two oceans, Panama has long been appreciated for its strategi­cally important canal, but the country’s extraordinary natural riches foster intimate engagement with tropical science. On this 11 day expedition with leaders in STEM Education, you’ll learn about ongoing research and conservation efforts for the unique birds, butterflies, amphibians, and marine wild­life that call Panama home. Expand your knowledge with the help of Smithsonian researchers. Discover the splendor of a tropical ecosystem at Barro Colorado Island—the largest for­ested island in the Panama Canal waterway. Explore tropical biodiversity through the rich endemic and migratory species of birds found throughout the country. Visit a private education program, known for their exceptional science instructional models. For a country, a little smaller than South Carolina, Panama offers us a discovery in STEM education through a comprehensive scientific exploration of the country!

Highlights

  • Explore marine science research priorities in Bocas del Toro at the Smithsonian Field Station.
  • Visit Barro Colorado Island, one of the most important Tropical Research sites in the world.
  • Observe the biodiversity of neotropical birds as Panama is a premier birding destination and home to 900+ species.
  • Stroll through Panama City and learn about the many cultural influences that shaped its history.
  • Engage with local science education and a visit to the Brader School.
  • View first-hand the engineering marvel that is the Panama Canal with a tour of Miraflores Lock. 

Meet your leaders

Page Keeley and Joyce Tugel

Page Keeley and Joyce Tugel are nationally known leaders in STEM education and professional development. As former colleagues at the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance, they provide professional development to school districts and projects throughout the U.S. and are frequent speakers at national conferences. Both are recipients of several national awards and Keeley’s numerous science and mathematics publications (included two books co-authored with Tugel) are used in schools and universities throughout the U.S. and internationally. Both have served as Board members of the National Science Education Leadership Association (NSELA) and National Science Teachers Association (NSTA). Keeley served as the 63rd President of NSTA.

Land Cost

$4,150

Per person

About this price

Land cost only. Does not include international airfare.

Single room supplement $660

What makes us different

Rich content

All of our programs include experiences that are enriching and engaging to facilitate a genuine connection between our travelers and their destinations

Peer exchange

Connect with likeminded educators to exchange ideas, share knowledge, and collaborate ways to bring your experiences in the field back to the classroom

Wildlife up-close

Enjoy up-close observation of the behaviors and interactions of wildlife in their native habitats

Service anytime

Enjoy worry-free travel — our emergency line is monitored 24/7/365 so we can assist you if any problems arise while you’re traveling with us

Cultural Discovery

Put culture in context as you discover the history and traditions of your destination

Inclusive pricing

Unlike other travel providers, our pricing includes most meals, activities, and entrance fees so you won’t have to travel with extra cash to cover surprise expenses.

AND MORE!

See all the reasons why you should travel with Holbrook

What makes us different

Daily Itinerary

Print Itinerary
Panama City
Upon arrival at the airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Check-in begins at 3:00 pm.
Crowne Plaza Panama Hotel
Panama City
Meet for breakfast and orientation at 7 am in hotel restaurant. After breakfast visit the local private school, the Brader School, where you will meet with Profesor lleana Cotes to learn what kinds of tools are used to promote science in the classrooms and encourage children to pursue a career in science. Next visit Panama City's Biomuseo that situated on the Amador Causeway where art meets science! The building was designed by Frank Gehry to tell the story of how the Isthmus of Panama rose from the sea, uniting two continents, separating a vast ocean in two, and changing the planet's biodiversity forever. Experience a special behind-the-scenes tour with Curator of Exhibitions Dr. George Angehr, a researcher at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Center and author of The Birds of Panama: A Field Guide. After your visit, continue to the Miraflores Locks where you will have lunch and learn about the operations and importance of the Panama Canal. Explore the Visitor Center to view the locks as ships pass through and enjoy the museum’s interactive displays. After you return to your hotel there will be an evening lecture that will provide an overview of Panama before dinner.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Crowne Plaza Panama Hotel
Gamboa
This morning depart early for a boat journey to Barro Colorado Island in Gatun Lake, the largest forested island in the Panama Canal waterway, where you will have the opportunity to discover the splendor of a humid tropical forest. Since 1923, the island has been administered by Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Enjoy walking the trails to observe plants, mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and insects and learn about the fascinating research going on here. After our hike, we return to the field station for lunch and a lecture by a Smithsonian researcher. Continue to Gamboa to settle into our comfortable rooms later this afternoon.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Gamboa Rainforest Resort
Gamboa
Spend the morning seeking out diverse Neotropical bird species at the famous Pipeline Road. Next visit the Rainforest Discovery Center in neighboring Soberania National Park. The Panama Rainforest Discovery Center is an ecotourism and environmental education project administrated by the Fundación Avifauna Eugene Eisenmann, of which the objective is the conservation of birds through environmental sustainability projects. Continue our discoveries to the Summit Botanical Gardens and Zoo to meet with Summit Park Director, Edgar Arauz, to learn about local conservation efforts. Continue to Gamboa to ride the aerial tram late this afternoon.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Gamboa Rainforest Resort
Gamboa
After breakfast we will depart the hotel for our visit to the Emberá Indigenous Village to meet the Emberá Indians, one of seven indigenous tribes in Panama. Once we arrive at Lake Alajuela we will board small boats that will take us up the Rio Chagres through the dense jungle. We will be greeted by the Emberá people as we pull ashore. Before enjoying a traditional lunch made by the Emberá women, the chief will give us a brief explanation on the history of the tribe, its traditions, culture, beliefs, and handicrafts. After lunch, we will experience a traditional Emberá dance, have the opportunity to shop for handicrafts, and get a temporary Emberá tattoo painted on your arm or leg. Later we will depart Emberá Village and return to Gamboa for dinner.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Gamboa Rainforest Resort
Boquete
After breakfast transfer to Albrook "Marcos A. Gelabert" International Airport for your flight to Chiriquí Provence. Upon arrival you will transfer to your hotel with lunch en-route. This afternoon enjoy some free time at the hotel before having a lecture on Pollination and Biodiversity in Boquete.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Valle Escondido Resort
Boquete
After breakfast transfer to Volcan Barú National Park to explore Panama’s geologic past. This afternoon, have lunch at a local restaurant then visit the town of Boquete and the local market for cultural understanding and exchange. Later transfer to a local coffee plantation for a visit to a sustainable coffee farm and learn about the importance of pollination and sustainable farming.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Valle Escondido Resort
Bocas del Toro
Depart early for the transfer to Punta Robalo. Here you will bid farewell to your guide until your return to Panama City. Meet the a Tranquilo Bay representative and board a small motor boat for a 45 minute ride to your lodge for a late lunch. The afternoon will be free time for optional activities, including birding, kayaking or snorkeling.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Tranquilo Bay Lodge
Bocas del Toro
After breakfast at the lodge travel to the Bocas del Toro Smithsonian Field Station. Meet with Rachel Collin, who is the STRI Staff Scientist and Director of the Bocas del Toro Research Station. She will lead you through a tour of the facilities and discuss ongoing research being done at the station. Lunch will be at Buena Vista on Isla Colón. Later transfer back to the lodge for dinner.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Tranquilo Bay Lodge
Bocas del Toro
This morning, Tranquilo Bay owner Jim Kimball will give a talk about research being done in the area. Later you will meet with sea turtle researchers Anne and Peter Meylans or their research assistants, who will take you to their research site on the Zapatilla Keys for a possible demonstration on the type of data collection they conduct on sea turtles in the field. Return to the lodge for lunch, then have an afternoon walk to a winding spring creek, a favorite spot for late afternoon hummingbird bathing.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Tranquilo Bay Lodge
Panama City
Travel to the Bocas del Toro airport for an early morning flight back to Panama City. This morning, visit the Metropolitan Park for a guided hike and the unique opportunity to experience an aerial view of the park via the Smithsonian Tropical Institute Canopy Crane (at additional cost). For those not inclined to ascend the Canopy Crane, a guide will be available to provide interpretation of the park's abundant flora and fauna. Check in at hotel and have lunch then transfer to Casco Antiguo historic district for a walking tour before your farewell dinner with folkloric dancing at Las Tinajas.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Crowne Plaza Panama Hotel
Transfer to the airport for flights back to the U.S. Check-out is at 12:00 pm.
Breakfast- included
Land Cost

$4,150

Per person

About this price

Land cost only. Does not include international airfare.

Single room supplement $660

What's Included
  • Activities and meals as mentioned in itinerary
  • Carbon Offset
  • Full time guide for the duration of your program
  • Internal flights relevant to itinerary
  • Private transportation and driver for the duration of the program
What's Not Included
  • International flights
  • Trip cancellation coverage
Pricing Details

Cost is based on a minimum of 12 participants in double occupancy. Program may incur unforeseen fuel surcharges.

A $200 per person deposit and enrollment form is due to hold your space on this trip. This deposit is refundable 120 days prior to departure excluding a $100 cancellation fee. Cancellations after this date will result in loss of full deposit.

Travel/trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. For more information call Travel Insured at 800-243-3174 or visit travelinsured.com. Holbrook Travel's agency number is 15849.

Single room supplement $660

Final payment due date: March 25, 2018

Travel Info

Print Travel Info

Entry & Exit Requirements

U.S. and Canadian citizens must have a valid passport to enter Panama. Passports must be valid for at least three months after the date of entry.

A visa is not re­quired for visits up to 180 days.

If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Panamanian Embassy for the requirements based on your nationality.

U.S. citizens entering Panama by commercial flight may be charged a $5 tourist fee if Holbrook does not make your air reservations.

Health Information

IMMUNIZATIONS

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.

There are no vaccinations required for entry into Panama.

Some physicians recommend that travelers get hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines before visiting Panama.

Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.

MALARIA

The CDC warns that travelers to Central America may be at risk for exposure to malaria. Malaria is caused by a parasite found in Anopheles mosquitos, which are active from dusk until dawn. Prevention is twofold: the use of anti-malarial drugs and the prevention of insect bites. If you choose to use an anti-malarial drug, as recommended by the CDC, see your physician for a prescription.

CHIKUNGUNYA

In June 2014, El Salvador reported locally transmitted cases of chikungunya in Central America. Local transmission means that mosquitoes in the area have been infected with chikungunya and are spreading it to people. Local transmission of chikungunya is now being reported in other countries in Central America. CDC recommends that travelers to the Central America area protect themselves from mosquito bites.

ZIKA VIRUS

Locally transmitted cases of Zika virus have been reported in Panama. Local transmission means that mosquitoes in the area have been infected with Zika and are spreading it to people. The CDC recommends that travelers to Panama protect themselves from mosquito bites. As a precaution, the CDC advises women who are pregnant to consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.

SUN EXPOSURE

The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.

Resources

Print Resources

Suggested Packing List

To help you get ready for your expedition, below is a suggested packing list. You may find many of these items in our Gear Store, plus many clothing and accessory items.

CLOTHING

  • T-shirts and one long-sleeved shirt for sun and mosquito protection
  • Shorts for the field and in towns
  • Pants (lightweight cotton), useful in the evenings and for protection against mosquitoes 
  • Lightweight rain jacket/poncho or sweater/sweatshirt, useful in the cool mornings and in the mountains
  • Underwear
  • Bathing suit
  • Socks (bring extra pairs for the field)
  • Shoes: a pair suitable for hiking
  • Sandals
  • Hat or sun visor

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Binoculars (expensive ones are not necessary) and lens cleaner
  • Flashlight
  • Camera
  • A small backpack for day walks
  • Photocopies of all documentation, passport, and tickets
  • Prescription drugs and a copy of the prescription
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Water bottle
  • Non-perishable snacks

In addition to your toiletries, it is useful to pack a small medical kit, which you can easily prepare. Helpful items include bandages, mosquito repellant, antihistamine, a pain-reliever, individually wrapped moist towelettes, anti-diarrhea medicine, anti-fungal cream, and an extra pair of disposable contact lenses or eyeglasses if you wear them.

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