What do rainforests, volcanoes and bat traps have in common? They are all sights students can see if they choose to go on the science department’s trip to Costa Rica trip spring 2018.

“I’ve done a lot of traveling myself and have always wanted to find a way to give students the opportunity as well,” Biology teacher Amy Cohen said. “I went to Costa Rica on a similar trip in high school and being a Biology teacher, I thought it’d be a great place to go to see science in the real world.”

Students will have the opportunity to observe the flora and fauna of Costa Rica while hiking and ziplining across the island, as well as experience some of the culture that resides there.

“I believe any kind of experience outside of the classroom is essential to really understanding how science connects to the world. Too many times, students are learning science just to do science,” science teacher Amy Van Matre-Woodward said.

Although Cohen is the lead teacher organizing the trip, science teachers Van Matre-Woodward, Colleen O’Toole and Tony Piccinni will be going as well.

“Ms. Cohen and I have talked for several years about taking a group of students on a science trip,” Van Matre-Woodward said. “We kept putting it off until recently, when she finally said ‘Let’s do it!’”

There will be an informational meeting for interested students and their parents March 8 at 6:30 p.m. in the library. The trip will take place over spring break of 2018 and will cost approximately $2,800. Science teachers are handing out packets in their classes this week, but if a student has not received a packet they can go to Cohen for more information.

“I am a big believer in giving students chances to broaden their perspectives and to realize there is more to life than St. Louis. Having a chance to see a different part of the world with other Parkway students and staff would be a great way to do that,” Cohen said.