Costa Rica: Neotropical Ecology
| In Costa Rica: | Costa Rica I: July 17-26, 2009 |
| At Home or School: | September - early December 2009 (Web-based Learning Community) |
| Credits: | 7 graduate credits from Miami University; $3,000 in-state & $7,000 out-of-state tuition waived; course can be applied to Global Field Program. |
| Course Cost: | $1150 + airfare |
|
Travel to Costa Rica with Cincinnati Zoo and Miami University instructors to explore Neotropical systems, including lowland rain forest and cloud forest. Investigate the biotic, physical, and cultural forces that affect tropical biodiversity. We will focus on the theory and practice of inquiry in understanding local ecosystems. All students will have the chance to conduct an investigation of the local ecosystem, asking their own questions, collecting data, and presenting conclusions. Prior to and following the field experience in Costa Rica, students will complete coursework via Dragonfly Workshops' Web-based learning community as they apply experiences to their home institutions. |
Course Themes
- Ecology of cloud forests
- Ecology of lowland rain forests
- Community-based environmental education and action
- Curricular development and educational leadership
- Inquiry-based learning
- Participatory education
A typical Field Expeditions day in Costa Rica is likely to include:
- Visits to field conservation sites
- Lectures
- Student-led discussions of key course topics
- Engagement with local communities
- Open inquiries
- Journal writing
[Click on an image to open it in a new window]
Possible Sites in Costa Rica
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
The enchanting cloud forests of Monteverde contain one of the leading tropical research communities in the world. We will gain direct knowledge on topics such as the ecology of cloud-forest canopies, the role of birds in determining forest structure, ecological succession, schoolyard ecology in the Neotropics, and how climate and geology shape tropical ecosystems.
La Selva Biological Station
Located in the Caribbean lowlands of northern Costa Rica, La Selva comprises 1,600 hectares (3,900 acres) of tropical wet forests and disturbed lands. It has become one of the most important sites in the world for research on tropical rain forest. Over 240 scientific papers are published yearly from research conducted at the site.
(Course locations are subject to change.)
Dragonfly Workshops Web-based Learning Community
Upon acceptance into the program and before departing for Costa Rica, students will join instructors and classmates in Dragonfly Workshops' collaborative Web community to complete pre-trip assignments. After returning to the United States, students will continue to work in their Web-based community from September through early December to develop projects initiated in the field, discuss assignments, and exchange ideas. All students should expect to spend two to three hours a week contributing to their Web-based learning community from their home or school computer. Navigating the Web platform is easy--it's designed for people with no prior computer experience. To learn more about this unique Web experience, visit dragonflyworkshops.org.
Cost: $1150 + Airfare
All basic expenses in-country are covered in the course costs, including:- Meals (incidental snacks and drinks not included)
- Lodging
- Field station fees
- Field equipment (as needed)
- Ground transportation (van, boat, train, etc., as needed)
- Park entrance and guide fees
Course costs do not cover personal expenses, such as gifts, or some ancillary costs, such as passport fees and course texts.
Airfare: To estimate fares to Costa Rica, applicants may wish to visit an online fare finder or call a travel agent. Bear in mind that airlines have seasonal fluctuations in fares.
Financial Support
Because of support from Miami University and the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, the course costs listed above are a fraction of actual program costs. Earth Expeditions recommends that accepted applicants to the program check with their school district or employer to see if professional development funds are available to further offset costs. Click here for more Grant Funding Tips.
- Paula H., Teacher, Middletown, Ohio
Tuition costs:
Non-Miami University Participants
To support involvement by a broad range of educators from across the nation, Miami University is currently waiving all tuition for Earth Expedition participants who hold bachelor's degrees and who are not full-time students at Miami University. Upon successful completion of both the field and Web-based components of the Earth Expeditions course, participants will receive seven graduate credit hours. (Approximately $2,500 for in-state and $6,200 for out-of-state tuition is waived).
Miami University Students
Full-time Miami University undergraduate and graduate students pay tuition for five credit hours unless they have summer tuition waivers through a graduate assistantship or scholarship. Miami students receive seven credit hours upon successful completion of both the field and Web-based components of the course.
More Information
For more information on the admissions process, physical requirements, and more, please visit Admissions and/or FAQs.