Saddle Up with STEM

Our weekend was nothing short of spectacular. Following our hikes around El Tigre Waterfalls, we cooled off near a pristine stream. Applying the recently acquired knowledge of water quality, turbidity, micro invertebrates, and understanding of the upstream impacts downstream made students' short swim visit uniquely different than other swimming experiences. Each and every activity provides a learning opportunity and space for students to apply knowledge from their daily lessons to the field.

Following our momentary rest by the stream, we rode horses up the steep mountains engulfing the breathtaking waterfalls. Students stood in amazement of the horses' beauty while asking critical questions around the different purposes of horse waste for fertilizer, the impacts of increasing ecotourism demand, and the local consequences of privatizing natural wonders throughout the Monteverde community.

Waking up Sunday feeling rejuvenated and a bit sore, students prepared to embark on a total of 2.2 miles of zip lining fun! With 13 cables, 15 platforms, and one Tarzan Swing, students soared through the cloud forest filled with adrenaline, wonder, and thoughtful questions regarding trail and zip lining construction.

Kicking off the week with women in STEM profile projects, we have already started with two groups outlining the history, intersectionality, and legacy of pivotal women in STEM. 

FUN FACT ALERT: Ellen Ochoa was the first Latina astronaut in space who also made unique contributions including the development of an optical inspection system.

With our final week upon us, students are working diligently to complete their final academic projects including presentations on prominent women in STEM and final projects addressing a local community challenge. Each group of students will apply their passions, personal convictions, knowledge, and innovation in creating meaningful and relevant solutions to Monteverde specific issues while recognizing the impact this knowledge can make in their own communities. From rethinking plastic bags to sustainable pest control, students will research, create prototypes, and present their findings at the end of the week.