Day 6: GSES-in-Costa Rica

Today was not only fun, but included an educational service project. We toured Life Monteverde, a family-owned educational center and local farm that grows coffee for export and local consumption. Students learned a great deal about social, economic and environmental sustainability. First, we divided into small groups to explore different areas of the farm and present our findings to other groups. Through a Socratic line of questioning, students were able to reach conclusions about why sustainable practices are so important for Earth and its inhabitants. Our students, many of whom have never visited a farm, were able to pick vegetables, see farm animals, and plant a special tree that provides fruit for the bell-bird, a species indigenous to Costa Rica. (Be sure to ask your kiddos what the pig manure was used for!) We had a profound moment when we learned that the trees we were planting would outlive all of us! They would be our legacy - our contribution - to this Earth and to the people of Costa Rica. After our educational tour and planting the trees, we enjoyed a delicious lunch prepared by the staff of Life Monteverde. And, of course, we enjoyed coffee grown and roasted on the farm!












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