Reflection on Ecosystem Presentations by the Latin American Studies Students

Mr. Moreland, City High Science Teacher

I was impressed by the level of detail in nearly all of the National Park presentations today. City High students worked in groups of three to four people to research the ecosystems present in several of the National Parks of Costa Rica. I am amazed that organisms as varied as orchids, sea turtles, macaws, tapirs, jaguars, ocelots, and morpho butterflies are all present in a country half of the size of Pennsylvania.

I hope that all of the City High students now have a better understanding of the plants, insects, and animals that they will encounter in April.

First Contact

Ryan Oliver, City High Social Studies Teacher

We finally succeeded in making video contact with students at a Costa Rican High School. Three years in the making, this initial conversation was a wonderful testament to the power of technology to make personal connections across physical barriers, when put to the right uses.

Our hope is that most of the awkward initial moments of self-consciousness and insecurity will be had through our video-conference and email communications in the next month before we depart, allowing for a more meaningful experience once we arrive in San Jose. New this year, students from our partner school Liceo Vargas Calvo will not only host us at their school, but also join us for a tour of Poas Volcano.

We aim to build this relationship into one of powerful cultural exchange with ever expanding opportunities to seek commonality and wonder at our differences. Thanks to Matt Cook, Ed Crist, and Dr. Wertheimer for their practical, technical, and visionary assistance respectively.