Over the next several weeks many of our older students will be using our own backyard (Costa Rica's natural resources) to extend their science lesson in the classroom, increase their understanding of the sustainability and, perhaps most importantly, be given the opportunity to engage in the outdoors. Through a partnership with Adventures Under the Sun and alumni, Mélida Barbee '90, teachers and principals work towards the most enriching trip and goals for the days beyond the classroom. This year are students are headed to:

6th grade: Rincon de la Vieja National Park, Feb. 8-12

7th grade: Arenal Volcano National Park, Feb 29- Mar. 2

9th grade: Pacuare River, Feb. 22-24

10th grade: Punta Mona, Feb. 22-24

11th grade: Diamante Falls, Feb. 22-24

Half of the fifth grade is currently traveling to Tirimbina for two days to study tropical biodiversity in both the forest and the river, work with birds and bats, investigate an ancient indigenous burial ground, and visit a museum dedicated to Costa Rica's indigenous cultures. The second half of the 5th grade will travel in early February.

The students of 4C will be presenting their interactive Glogs and models of Native American villages next Thursday, February 2nd, 8:10 to 9:10 a.m. They have been researching various Native American tribes from the U.S. , including the Inuit, Sioux, Apache, and Cherokee , and then learning how to present their information through the use of wikis and glogs.

Through the School, there has been an increase in the use of Glogs as another method of displaying knowledge, creating more interactive means of consuming information and working what makes "good design". For an introduction to some of the uses, check out the British Literature section of Mr. Burwell's CDS glog/wiki, a seventh grader's presentation of the Giver, or a preview of 4c's Native American presentation.