– Observing the environment using all senses
– Insects as model organisms for scientific exploration, investigation, and curiosity
– Rainforest tree investigation
– Lesson development, exploration and implementation
– Agroforestry: designing and planting orchards
– Permaculture: Learning to produce food, build shelters and manufacture fuel while living responsibly
– Indigenous skills: learning about trapping, forest shelters and basketweaving in the rainforest
– Beach Day and a surf lesson!
– Zip lining in the Costa Rica jungle

*NOTE  

As part of this program we will be using and developing lessons that can be used anywhere, not just Costa Rica.  All of our lessons and workshops will be inquiry based and grounded in experiences outside in the natural world.  

Costa Rica may not look like a typical classroom, but this country is a more than ideal setting to learn about environmental science and biology. While interacting with locals and exploring the unique flora and fauna around the country, teachers will develop fundamental knowledge and skills that will not only help them enhance their students science experience, but also gain a new perspective on learning outside the classroom. From environmental changes and how they relate to society, to sustainable agriculture and forestry.

Costa Rica is known for its progressive environmental policies, and is the only country to meet all five criteria established to measure environmental sustainability. On top of that, it is set to become the first carbon-neutral country by 2021. These two reasons alone make Costa Rica the top choice to learn about environmental science.

Participants will bring everything they learn to life in the warm climate, including tree-planting, starting a local garden initiative, visiting local water and waste treatment plants, designing and building eco-structures.  You won’t even realize you’re in a PD course while having the time of your life swimming, eating amazing local food, and hiking up the mountains for that one-of-a-kind sunset picture.

Workshop Leaders:

Jim Lane:

Jim lives and teaches high school in Mahtomedi, Minnesota.  He teaches Biology, Environmental Science and an engineering course called Biomimicry and Modeling.  He is a Senior Fellow of the Knowles Science Teaching Foundation and the recipient of the 2011 Outstanding New Biology Teacher of the Year from the National Association of Biology Teachers.  Jim is an active outdoorsman, engaging in all manner of outdoor activities throughout the year.

Isaac Stewart:

Isaac is a biology teacher at a small, rural high school in Central Illinois where he uses his passion and training in entomology to help students understand the complexities of life. He has a passion for seeing the world, and has been fortunate to have research opportunities that have taken him in search of bumble bees all over the U.S. and beyond. 

• Airfare Included
  Includes return coach airfare from various States and Provinces
• Ground Transportation
  All ground transportation is provided by coach bus or van

• Eco-Lodge
  Stay with a clear mind at a locally run eco-lodge.
• Hotel
  Beach side hotel for a night

From the staple of black beans and rice (called pinto), to the abundant fresh fruits and vegetables: Costa Rican cuisine never disappoints. Banana’s bigger cousin, the plantain, is often fried up and served with breakfast, or put into soups and stews for the rest of the day.

Tres leche is the drool-worthy national dessert of Costa Rica, and consists of three layers of custard flan.

Don’t worry about refreshment, either, because refrescos (blended fresh fruit and ice) are sold on every corner.

* Organic meals while at the lodge. Vegetarian options available. 

Costa Rica aims to be carbon neutral by 2021.