Day 3: Science and Zipline canopy tour

Day 3 Picture Folder

Hey it's Anna and Sarah coming at you with the day three update. Today there was a giant bug in Anna and Sarah's room that was comparable to a tarantula. Yikes. We woke up at to heavy storms that persisted throughout the morning and most of the afternoon. Despite the rain, we still ventured out into the rainforest to learn how to properly excavate the leaf cutter ants from the ground. While out there, we came across many other cool insects including bullet ants (very dangerous), fire ants, tree ants, and termites that had a very invasive nuptial flight during the evening. The teachers guided us through the trails and demonstrated how to carefully open and remove the nests that we will be using for our research projects. 

We took a brief intermission from our intense sciencing to have a little fun. We left at about 12:30, after a quick lunch, to head towards the zip line facility in the canopy. We got our harnesses and started climbing up the side of the volcano (thigh burner!). On the way up we passed cows, monkeys, and many insects. After a steep climb, we finally made it to the top. The way down was filled with many adrenaline-filled runs and great views of the rainforest. It was a lot of fun!

Upon our return, we started the science back up, and fortunately the rain had cleared. After being assigned groups, we set out to excavate an ant colony of our own. The actual digging was not too hard, but fending off flying termites while digging yields struggles. Many of us successfully retrieved the fungus gardens and queens that we were after in the end. 

After a nice dinner, it was already dark so half of us went out on a nature walk, while the others prepared the ant colonies for the experiments we have yet to do. Then we would switch roles. The night hike sounded like a very promising chance to see a lot of creatures, until we found out that creatures meant bugs (and one frog). Nonetheless, it was still cool to see many species we didn't know even existed, and hear the serene sounds of the forest that comes alive at night.

canopy

zip line video

ant colony from surface

digging video

max's triumphant return! 

Love, your authors. Anna and Sarah (pictured from left to right)

Day 2: Chocolate Tour and Science

Link to google folder with trip pictures.  Check everyday!

Hello everyone back home! It's Nicole and LeAnn providing you with today's update.
As the title suggests, this morning we had a chocolate tour. Where we learned about the *pure* chocolate making process. We got to learn about the history of chocolate making, in which the cacao plant originated in South America and the progression of the use of chocolate. We got to try the original hot chocolate which consisted of water, cacao beans, chili spice, sugar, salt, and OG vanilla. We got to try 74% and 82% chocolate which consisted of only cacao and sugar. It was very rich in flavor and creamy texture. It's very different from the chocolate we eat in America.

Later in the afternoon we walked to the pulpouria (an all purpose store the size of a single car garage) during our down time. We got the chance to buy treats which were very refreshing. Some of the treats were items we have never even heard of before. It was fairly interesting to look over what Mrs. Leland bought from the store. Whether they are good or not we will have to see for tomorrow. We also did a hike through the rain forest before we went to the store. The view we got to see were absolutely amazing. We got to walk through a small river at a narrow bend. Nicole almost fell... multiple times, as did other people (namely LeAnn). The ranch doggos followed us on the hike, which make us feel very special and it was very cute.

Oh and we actually did some science later as well (I promise we are using your monies $$$ 😚worth)!! We learned and studied over microbes and are making cultures as we speak. We used the the scientific method (the universal language of science (ciencias en espanol)) to create a experiment. In the experiment we made a variety of hypotheses revolving around the presence, or lack there of, of microbial bacteria and fungi (but they're not very funny guys...get it?) (((MEME IT UP))). Each group got to create their own experiment with their own hypothesis. We are currently waiting for our cultures to grow up in our special-fancy room temperature incubator (aka a plastic box). This is a very enticing experience and we cannot wait for moarz👍💪😜. 

PS we're kind tired sooooooooooo,

PPS half of LeAnn's hand is swoll 💪😩 but it's fineeeeeeee. (I'm honestly completely fine). 

Goodnighty night~ th3 g00cci g@ng

LeAnn and Nicole's masterpiece

WELCOME TO THE WAYZATA HIGH SCHOOL COSTA RICA RESEARCH 2018 STORY

June 17, 2018

Hello friends and family, this is Miah Sandvik and Liam Black reporting for your favorite research trip blog! Everyone is alive and well. Our day began insanely early in the morning with a 3:00 am meeting at the Minneapolis Airport. Our two flights went swimmingly, first to Atlanta and then to Liberia, Costa Rica. The very second we exited the airplane in Liberia, we felt the custard-like humidity envelop us, like a hug from a sweaty relative. Our drive to Finca la Anita was characterized by views of thick foliage, charming livestock, and colorful, open architecture. We stopped for lunch at about one, and the food was unremarkable only because we are currently not permitted to remark upon it. (It was really good.) We also enjoyed some quality music on our drive to the eco-resort. Once we arrived, we unpacked and ate another unremarkably delicious meal. And then began the science! In an after dinner lesson, we were given several difficult questions for discussion. One of the most perplexing was Why is there so much biodiversity in the tropics, as compared to the Midwest? After a rousing discussion, we concluded that there are a plethora of factors influencing the biodiversity in the tropics, ranging from high water availability to extremely efficient decomposition mechanisms. We concluded our exhausting day by writing this mind-boggle-ing-ly wonderful account of our (nearly 20 hour) experience.

5am Us.

Our lunch

Our driver, Eddy

We have arrived Us.

Sincerely,

Liam and Miah