Hi everyone,
So much too tell and so little time on computer. I LOVE reading all the great stuff you send me; it makes me feel like you are all here with me.
And by the way...quit complaining about the work I left - you'd be doing the SAME amount if I was there.
So....here's a new question.
I am at Arenal Volcano. Look up about the "geology" of Costa Rica. Write ONE fact about it's geology. Once a fact is listed by someone you can't use the same fact. This means you have to read everyone's before you send me one :):):):).
Leaving for hot springs tonight. Water is heated by geothermal energy from the volcano.
Miss you
Mrs. K
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Read below :):):)
Hi Everyone,
No email at a few places we stayed but I have some tonight.
Kelly - you're right; I'll never see a Resplendent Quetzal; its beautiful but rare.
Devon - I haven't seen any spider monkeys; only white faced and howler monkeys.
Richard - I did see a collared peccary; looks like a hairy pig.
Kaitlin - I did see a 2 toed sloth with a baby!!!!
Jacob - Hummingbird is WAY TOO general; there are lots of species of hummingbirds in Costa Rica; go back and research a specific one from La Selva; by the way I saw one (I won't tell you which) sitting on its nest of two eggs; great pics.
Dylan - you can't see loggerhead turtle at La Selva (not on coast) go try again :):):)
Michael - I did see a basilisk lizard - great pics
atuck - You're right I didn't see a tapir; way too endangered
Amanda - I didn't see a fishing bulldog bat, but I saw 3 other species; Costa Rica has 110 species of bats!!
Billy - I did see an armadillo
Shari - I didn't see a red-eyed tree frog but I saw 2 other species on this WAY COOL night walk in the forest; very spooky
Josh - white faced monkey DOESN"T COUNT; it was one I gave in directions; go back and do something else :):):):)
Nick - I didn't see a bushmaster on my night walk (thanks heavens) but I did see a HUGE fir de lans (not sure of spelling) very aggressive and poisonous
Katie - I've seen lots of heleconias
Everyone else, will read yours in morning. Going to hot springs
Mrs. K
No email at a few places we stayed but I have some tonight.
Kelly - you're right; I'll never see a Resplendent Quetzal; its beautiful but rare.
Devon - I haven't seen any spider monkeys; only white faced and howler monkeys.
Richard - I did see a collared peccary; looks like a hairy pig.
Kaitlin - I did see a 2 toed sloth with a baby!!!!
Jacob - Hummingbird is WAY TOO general; there are lots of species of hummingbirds in Costa Rica; go back and research a specific one from La Selva; by the way I saw one (I won't tell you which) sitting on its nest of two eggs; great pics.
Dylan - you can't see loggerhead turtle at La Selva (not on coast) go try again :):):)
Michael - I did see a basilisk lizard - great pics
atuck - You're right I didn't see a tapir; way too endangered
Amanda - I didn't see a fishing bulldog bat, but I saw 3 other species; Costa Rica has 110 species of bats!!
Billy - I did see an armadillo
Shari - I didn't see a red-eyed tree frog but I saw 2 other species on this WAY COOL night walk in the forest; very spooky
Josh - white faced monkey DOESN"T COUNT; it was one I gave in directions; go back and do something else :):):):)
Nick - I didn't see a bushmaster on my night walk (thanks heavens) but I did see a HUGE fir de lans (not sure of spelling) very aggressive and poisonous
Katie - I've seen lots of heleconias
Everyone else, will read yours in morning. Going to hot springs
Mrs. K
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Earth University Rocks
Ok....I have to tell you two animals I saw (besides a gazillion birds) - whited faced monkey and howler monkey. Oh yeah and the toucans feeding each other was pretty cool too.
So I forgot to say last time thanks to Ryan, Kaitlin, Shari, Erin, Alex, Jordan, Kevin and John for all your questions and information. They really did help. A LOT.
And thank you Erin for all the information about biogas. You were right. Today I learned they take the pig waste and put it in the biogas fermenter, which is really nothing more than a large plastic long bag. It acts like you "gut" and ferments the waste with anaerobic bacteria. The gas is put through lime filters so only the methane is left. It is used as the energy source for the dairy farm. NOTHING is wasted here. It is the most SUSTAINABLE place I've ever seen.
So.......I still haven't gotten any postings about animals and plants. You can't use the 3 I told you. Tell EVERYONE to get on and get going. You can use the computers in my room if necessary. It won't take you a minute. Zeros for those who don't contribute!!!!!!
I love hearing from you guys; I'm sorry I can't post pictures. I'll try at the next place I'm at. Signal isn't very good here.
No more assignments. Just finish the last one I sent.
Shout out to molelady - you're the best.
Shout out to Mr. K - you're the super best.
Mrs. K
So I forgot to say last time thanks to Ryan, Kaitlin, Shari, Erin, Alex, Jordan, Kevin and John for all your questions and information. They really did help. A LOT.
And thank you Erin for all the information about biogas. You were right. Today I learned they take the pig waste and put it in the biogas fermenter, which is really nothing more than a large plastic long bag. It acts like you "gut" and ferments the waste with anaerobic bacteria. The gas is put through lime filters so only the methane is left. It is used as the energy source for the dairy farm. NOTHING is wasted here. It is the most SUSTAINABLE place I've ever seen.
So.......I still haven't gotten any postings about animals and plants. You can't use the 3 I told you. Tell EVERYONE to get on and get going. You can use the computers in my room if necessary. It won't take you a minute. Zeros for those who don't contribute!!!!!!
I love hearing from you guys; I'm sorry I can't post pictures. I'll try at the next place I'm at. Signal isn't very good here.
No more assignments. Just finish the last one I sent.
Shout out to molelady - you're the best.
Shout out to Mr. K - you're the super best.
Mrs. K
Friday, February 29, 2008
Next Assignment
Hi Everyone,
I was trying to send you some pics and a small movie I made but I'm not having success.
I'll try again, in the meantime here is your next assignment.
1. Everyone find an organism (plant or animal) that I MIGHT see when I visit La Selva Biological Station and Monte Verde (basically 2 of the preserved forest areas). You can work alone or in groups of 2 or 3. Put picture on blog and write a small amount about the organism. You do not have to write a lot. Just something informative. Please check other blogs. Once something is done you have to find something else.
2. Research how biogas is done and let me know. I think I'm going to visit a farm that does this.
3. Research small sustainable businesses that are being done in tropical countries (for example, taking leftover but still usable pineable, and creating something marketable out of it as the one young man did). This is a hard one. Lots of kudos and points. You can make it short.
Will try to write more tomorrow.
Mrs. K
I was trying to send you some pics and a small movie I made but I'm not having success.
I'll try again, in the meantime here is your next assignment.
1. Everyone find an organism (plant or animal) that I MIGHT see when I visit La Selva Biological Station and Monte Verde (basically 2 of the preserved forest areas). You can work alone or in groups of 2 or 3. Put picture on blog and write a small amount about the organism. You do not have to write a lot. Just something informative. Please check other blogs. Once something is done you have to find something else.
2. Research how biogas is done and let me know. I think I'm going to visit a farm that does this.
3. Research small sustainable businesses that are being done in tropical countries (for example, taking leftover but still usable pineable, and creating something marketable out of it as the one young man did). This is a hard one. Lots of kudos and points. You can make it short.
Will try to write more tomorrow.
Mrs. K
Awesome Questions
Awesome questions for students. Kudos and Points to students who have contributed. I have so much to tell you but not a lot of time.
1. Earth University is a private 4 year University with 500 students from 24 countries. Professors are from 20 countries.
2. It is a massive place - very awesome; built 20 years ago with private funds (there is an endowment to help pay tuition in the U.S.)
3. Professors spend lots of time going to small commuties in tropical Central and South American and African countries. They recruit bright young people that may not have chance to go to a University.
4. Their goal is to teach them sustainable values and create leaders. It is truly amazing. I don't have time to write all about it here. The overall goal is for students to return to their communities and help them create small sustainable entrepeneur type companies.
5. For example one young man had discovered how much waste their was in the pineapple industry here (C.R. is the #1 country to export pineapple). But it is only the "best" that can be shipped fresh. He showed his community how they could take still good (but not best) pineapple, dry it (dried fruit which is popular) and dip it in chocolate. So far 4 small businesses have sprung up that do this.
6. The University students do NOT work. They are very serious about their studies and feel COMPLETELY honored that they would be here. Most are on full scholarship because they come from lower income communities.
Well I could go on and on but now for the primary and secondary schools. For reasons that are too hard to explain please public education has deteriorated somewhat here in C.R. But there are lots of dedicated teachers and students working in not so perfect conditions.
Here are some answers to your questions; thanks for sending them in Spanish!!!
1. They like soda - especially pepsi.
2. There is mandatory dress code for all Costa Rican students - dark blue pants and light blue shirts. Students in their last year (grade 11) wear brown pants and beige shirt.
3. They like to "hang out" at the "river" during their time out (makes sense you guys like to hang at beach):):):):).
4. They dont work (there are probably few places for them to work) and they consider school their main job.
5. They like to spend any money they have on jewelry. They are very stylish even though they have to wear a uniform (I'll bring back pics).
6. Out of 200 students I saw 3 with ipods. Only 1 with a cell phone.
7. To give you an idea of this school; their library had 2 rows of books; they did have an internet lab; and I will make arrangements for us to correspond to them.
8. Education is compulary only to grade 9 (but C.R. does have an incredible literacy rate of 96%).
9. I met 3 students who were in grade 10 and wanted to go onto University; two interested in tourist industry; and one in chemistry.
10. There are NO labs in the science area. They were studying density. STudents can join a science club where they have the money to do the experiments.
Have so much to share with you. Keep your fingers crossed I won't crash and burn on the zip line!
Assignment is in next blog.
Mrs. K
1. Earth University is a private 4 year University with 500 students from 24 countries. Professors are from 20 countries.
2. It is a massive place - very awesome; built 20 years ago with private funds (there is an endowment to help pay tuition in the U.S.)
3. Professors spend lots of time going to small commuties in tropical Central and South American and African countries. They recruit bright young people that may not have chance to go to a University.
4. Their goal is to teach them sustainable values and create leaders. It is truly amazing. I don't have time to write all about it here. The overall goal is for students to return to their communities and help them create small sustainable entrepeneur type companies.
5. For example one young man had discovered how much waste their was in the pineapple industry here (C.R. is the #1 country to export pineapple). But it is only the "best" that can be shipped fresh. He showed his community how they could take still good (but not best) pineapple, dry it (dried fruit which is popular) and dip it in chocolate. So far 4 small businesses have sprung up that do this.
6. The University students do NOT work. They are very serious about their studies and feel COMPLETELY honored that they would be here. Most are on full scholarship because they come from lower income communities.
Well I could go on and on but now for the primary and secondary schools. For reasons that are too hard to explain please public education has deteriorated somewhat here in C.R. But there are lots of dedicated teachers and students working in not so perfect conditions.
Here are some answers to your questions; thanks for sending them in Spanish!!!
1. They like soda - especially pepsi.
2. There is mandatory dress code for all Costa Rican students - dark blue pants and light blue shirts. Students in their last year (grade 11) wear brown pants and beige shirt.
3. They like to "hang out" at the "river" during their time out (makes sense you guys like to hang at beach):):):):).
4. They dont work (there are probably few places for them to work) and they consider school their main job.
5. They like to spend any money they have on jewelry. They are very stylish even though they have to wear a uniform (I'll bring back pics).
6. Out of 200 students I saw 3 with ipods. Only 1 with a cell phone.
7. To give you an idea of this school; their library had 2 rows of books; they did have an internet lab; and I will make arrangements for us to correspond to them.
8. Education is compulary only to grade 9 (but C.R. does have an incredible literacy rate of 96%).
9. I met 3 students who were in grade 10 and wanted to go onto University; two interested in tourist industry; and one in chemistry.
10. There are NO labs in the science area. They were studying density. STudents can join a science club where they have the money to do the experiments.
Have so much to share with you. Keep your fingers crossed I won't crash and burn on the zip line!
Assignment is in next blog.
Mrs. K
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
blog is now unblocked at school :):):)
Kudos to Richard, Dylan, and Devon for sending me questions to ask the students here in Costa Rica and researching my last questions.
Dylan and Devon you were right Dr. Leon is an advisor to the President of Costa Rica (more about that in assignments).
I have had a very interesting time in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. Toyota has supplied us with not only guides from the U.S. but also two Costa Ricans. One is Isabel Salas who has degrees in biology and is a naturalist. She explains all the ecology and biology to us. She knows everything!! The other is Julio Fernandez who has degrees in history. He tells us all about the history of Costa Rica, from the early people who were here to the present day. I am totally captivated by all they are telling us. Everywhere we go there are things to see and learn and the people here are awesome.
One of the most interesting things we did today was visit the American Embassy. I have never been to an Embassy. We learned about the foreign service and all the ways they help American citizens and the role they play in helping the diplomat process between the two countries.
But enough of that.....back to the science part.
1. I still need questions to ask the secondary students. ANYTHING you would want to know. They speak English and I will be able to converse with them.
2. I also need questions in espanol to ask the primary students. There are several spanish speaking people with us but it would be great for all of you spanish speaking students to think of some "simple" questions I could ask them.
3. And since you are all learning basic environmental science while I am gone here's another something you can research. Dr. Leon is an advisor to President Arias. The President outlined an initiative last year that he called the Paz con La Naturaleza (IPN) or "Peace with Nature." Google and tell me a FEW basic ideas surrounding this initiative. What is it about?
4. What does C-neutral or carbon-neutral mean?
5. P.S. I am giving points to those that contribute to blog :):):).
Ok, that's enough for today. Although I have a million things I could write you about :):):)Tomorrow we are traveling to the Earth University. I will check for responses tomorrow.
Thanks for keeping the frogs and echo fed.
Miss you!!!! Mrs. K
Dylan and Devon you were right Dr. Leon is an advisor to the President of Costa Rica (more about that in assignments).
I have had a very interesting time in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. Toyota has supplied us with not only guides from the U.S. but also two Costa Ricans. One is Isabel Salas who has degrees in biology and is a naturalist. She explains all the ecology and biology to us. She knows everything!! The other is Julio Fernandez who has degrees in history. He tells us all about the history of Costa Rica, from the early people who were here to the present day. I am totally captivated by all they are telling us. Everywhere we go there are things to see and learn and the people here are awesome.
One of the most interesting things we did today was visit the American Embassy. I have never been to an Embassy. We learned about the foreign service and all the ways they help American citizens and the role they play in helping the diplomat process between the two countries.
But enough of that.....back to the science part.
1. I still need questions to ask the secondary students. ANYTHING you would want to know. They speak English and I will be able to converse with them.
2. I also need questions in espanol to ask the primary students. There are several spanish speaking people with us but it would be great for all of you spanish speaking students to think of some "simple" questions I could ask them.
3. And since you are all learning basic environmental science while I am gone here's another something you can research. Dr. Leon is an advisor to President Arias. The President outlined an initiative last year that he called the Paz con La Naturaleza (IPN) or "Peace with Nature." Google and tell me a FEW basic ideas surrounding this initiative. What is it about?
4. What does C-neutral or carbon-neutral mean?
5. P.S. I am giving points to those that contribute to blog :):):).
Ok, that's enough for today. Although I have a million things I could write you about :):):)Tomorrow we are traveling to the Earth University. I will check for responses tomorrow.
Thanks for keeping the frogs and echo fed.
Miss you!!!! Mrs. K
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
I'm In Costa Rica
Hi everyone.
I have arrived in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica.
To say the least it's pretty cool.
We will be meeting with a Dr. Pedro Leon later. He is going to talk to us about some of the research he does. I believe some of it is related to using DNA fingerprinting of a sample population of Costa Ricans do determine where their ancestors originally immigated from.
Anyway I have 2 assignments for you.
1. Google Dr. Pedro Leon and tell me something you learned about what he researches.
2. In the next few days we will be traveling to the Earth University. I'm going to be visiting a local high school and talking to students there. Send me questions that you would like me to ask them. Something you would be interested in knowing. It can be as simple as do you use cell phones? Or it can be something you want to know about their country or their plans. Anything.
I miss all of you. I'm taking lots of pictures and will try to attach some of them during my next login (fortuanately for me there are lots of computer literate people because you know I'm going to need help :):):):):).
Stay focused....and do all your assignments - especially you SENIORS!!!!! :):):):)
miss ya
mrs k
I have arrived in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica.
To say the least it's pretty cool.
We will be meeting with a Dr. Pedro Leon later. He is going to talk to us about some of the research he does. I believe some of it is related to using DNA fingerprinting of a sample population of Costa Ricans do determine where their ancestors originally immigated from.
Anyway I have 2 assignments for you.
1. Google Dr. Pedro Leon and tell me something you learned about what he researches.
2. In the next few days we will be traveling to the Earth University. I'm going to be visiting a local high school and talking to students there. Send me questions that you would like me to ask them. Something you would be interested in knowing. It can be as simple as do you use cell phones? Or it can be something you want to know about their country or their plans. Anything.
I miss all of you. I'm taking lots of pictures and will try to attach some of them during my next login (fortuanately for me there are lots of computer literate people because you know I'm going to need help :):):):):).
Stay focused....and do all your assignments - especially you SENIORS!!!!! :):):):)
miss ya
mrs k
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