Costa Rica Field Study Class for Educators

Facilitator: Helaine Wemple and Eric Russman


June 24 - July 3, 2007
(we can also recommend places and activities for those who would like to extend their stay)


Institute Description

*Course Summary: * Create a cross-curricular unit that integrates themes and issues related to the rainforest and rural societies of Latin America. Instructors Helaine Wemple and Eric Russman will lead you on a ten day exploration of the tropical rainforest and rural communities of Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula and assist you in the development of a curricular unit in your field of study.

Course Objective: The course is designed to enrich each educator's cross-curricular portfolio through a hands-on introduction to the integrated themes of rural development, rainforest conservation, and the interaction of local, national, and global cultures, economics, and politics. Participants will learn how rural communities in Costa Rica deal with sustainable development, global warming, transnational identities, and preparing their youth for present and future challenges and opportunities. Educators will develop a curricular unit that touches on one, or multiple themes, that relates to their field of study.

Target Audience: Elementary, Middle, and High School Social Studies, Language, and Science Teachers.

Price: $1800 (Includes all in-country travel, food, lodging, and activities. International air travel not included in price.)

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica

Day 2: Fly to Puerto Jimenez, Osa Peninsula. Meet with Costa Rican Educators. Taxis to La Parcela El Ceibo Base Camp. Orientation, Mangrove and Reef Exploration.

Day 3: Puerto Jimenez town exploration and visits with community leaders and activist

Day 4: Horseback to Finca Miramar in the Gulfo Dulce Forest Reserve. Rainforest tour in the afternoon.

Day 5: Historical overview of Forest Reserve and National Park. Community exploration. Optional Canopy tour.

Day 6: Return to La Parcela El Ceibo Base Camp. Research and field studies in the afternoon.

Day 7: Meet with Homestay families. Visit local elementary and high schools. Meet with teachers and students. Stay with Homestay families

Day 8: Boat tour of Gulf of Dulce marine and mangrove ecosystems.

Day 9: Presentations and Beach Day. Dinner and Dancing with Costa Rican Counterparts in the evening.

Day 10: Fly to San Jose in the morning. Flights to USA in the afternoon.

We can recommend activities and places to visit and explore for those who wish to arrive early or extend their trips.

Click here to learn all about the Facilitators or contact them at:

Helaine Wemple: hwemple@verizon.net

Eric Russman: erussman@kua.org

Apply now and receive "early admission discounts!"

Students to tackle Global Warming in 2007! Students applying to our 2007 Environmental Leadership programs will explore the effects of global warming on local industries - agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, fishing, and more - through field trips, work with local experts and hands-on research! More 2007 Student Institute information.


ALL EDUCATORS attending any E.E. Just Institute are eligible to receive graduate credit!

KUA is a 2006 recipient for the National Association of Independent School's “Leading Edge Award” for Environmental Sustainability! Read more!

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