2022 Trinity Mercy Costa Rica Trip

Hola amigos y amigas!  Today was muy interestante. In the morning, we started our day in our beautiful cabins (picture below) ready to eat some AMAZING Costa Rican breakfast. After breakfast, we headed to the classroom to discuss how to extract leafcutter ant fungus gardens then we went out and practiced what we had just learned. It was a long hike, but we got to see a demonstration of how to extract the fungus gardens and we had the opportunity to view at mature leafcutter ant colony. After watching the demonstration, research groups went out and extracted fungus gardens independently. Many groups were successful in this process.  We then went to lunch and had some delicious pasta. After lunch, we headed on down to Colonia Libertad for a quick prayer service. When the service was over, we walked to the butterfly garden to learn about the Seeds of Chance research project there, and the women who run the operation. After and unexpected downpour that interrupted our plans we wen...

Maripasario is the name of the local butterfly laboratory and is run by the local women's association of Colonia Libertad. This is a long time collaboration between the community, Seeds of Change, and University of Costa Rica. Women raise two species of butterflies (the blue morpho and the owl butterfly) larva and release them in the flight house. They earn extra money by giving tours of the lab and letting visitors walk through the flight house. Students were also allowed to purchase some of their homemade jewelry and trinkets.  The butterfly lab was an inspiration for Mr. Heintz's butterfly projects in freshmen Biology and Biology 2 courses. We are learning new techniques to hang chrysalises, keeping food sources fresh, and proper techniques of raising larvae.  Check out the owl butterfly larvae.  Demonstrating how hang chrysalis.  Blue morpho larva. Showing us how to keep plants fresh. Butterfly eggs.

 Meet Tyler Windham Tyler is a rising Junior at Trinity High School. When asked why he came on the trip to Costa Rica... here is what he said:  Earlier today, Tyler and his group were out extracting leafcutter ant colonies. Although they found what they were looking for, the group was unable to get a good fungus garden sample and could not find the queen. Sometimes science is messy and doesn't always work out the way we plan, but it was worth the try. The techniques and skills Tyler learned today cannot be taught in the traditional classroom. What a great experience. 

After a night of really strong storms and a lot of rain (we are in a rainforest), we were welcomed with a beautiful morning. The view from the classroom. Our dining facility... where they serve the best food anywhere. In the distance, you can see the Trinity Dorms and Mr. Heintz's cabin. Just a short walk to the classroom.

       Our first day in Costa Rica was nothing short of amazing, sure it was hot, but the view is amazing and we were with our friends.  First, we started with a healthy breakfast with local eggs, homegrown fruits, and beans and rice. After that we got our boots and waited for the chocolate tour where Pablo showed us the history of and how they make their chocolate.           We had criollo cacao beans which is the only bean that they grow here and is known as the richest and rarest cacao bean. Next, we tried the different percent's of cacao and they were all out of this world. We had lunch and Pablo showed us how to make a heart of palm salad which was extremely interesting.       Then, we talked to Pinto about our assignment and the leaf cutter ants while being refreshed on the scientific method. We went out and collected samples of bacteria that we will observe the results of tomorrow. We had down period then ...

 Why are we here? We asked rising senior Mason Stith... Why did you come on this trip? Here is what he had to say: When asked to share a few photos with the blog, it was too hard to choose just one, so here are three. The leafcutter ant in the process of harvesting a leaflet. A bullet ant showing it's powerful stance. A lush environment full of dense forestry and pure water.

 A great first (full) day in Costa Rica We finally arrived in Costa Rica for the start of our 10 day science trip. Unfortunately the internet connection was fried the day before (lighting strike), but we are now up and ready to blog. Our students will be writing about their trip and telling us the interesting things they get to do. Please share this with your family and friends.  Thanks, Mr. Heintz - Trinity High School Mr. Thomas - Trinity High School Mr. Burton - Mercy Academy

 Our last meeting was 4/27... and the boys are ready to travel. Here is what we discussed:   Flight information and verify names Review packing list with students Talk about travel procedures (what to do and wear in the airport) and pass out T-Shirts Review the Goals, Safety Concerns, and Proper Behavior for the trip Set up and review the Trip Blog Here is another copy of the packing list: Packing List - Revised Apr 2022 Everything To Fit in One Carry-On Bag and a Small Backpack Documentation 1.       Passport (make a copy of your passport to leave at home and take a photo of the passport for your phone). Seeds of Change will also have this. 2.      Insurance Card (photo on phone) and Medical Information Vaccine Card (photo on phone) 3.      Flight numbers/tickets (furnished by Seeds of Change) Suggested Items: 1.      several pairs comfortable t-shi...