Costa Rica
Environmental Monitoring Program in Costa Rica

Overview

PASCO is working with the Sarapiqui Conservation Learning Center in Costa Rica to develop an environmental monitoring program with local school children. The SCLC is located in Selva Verde, where PASCO has been involved with Holbrook's Field-Based Learning Seminars. (For course summaries, visit www.pasco.com/planet and scroll down to the "Central America" section.)

After-School Program

The SCLC's goal is to "be a resource for the Sarapiqui community by providing and coordinating activities that will both enhance their education and support sustainable development in the area." The Learning Center runs a daily after-school program for the children in the communities of Sarapiqui to supplement their school day. The program provides students the opportunity to participate in activities that are not currently offered in school, such as music, art, science, reading and physical education. In addition to structured activities, the center also offers nature walks and regular field trips such as a weekly book club trip to the local elderly home.

Monitoring Program

Members of the SCLC, along with students, will take daily measurements of air temperature, relative humidity and barometric pressure using probeware. PASCO probeware was donated to the SCLC in 2002 and is used throughout the year by visiting teachers, student groups and local school children. The measurements are taken on a daily basis at noon outside the SCLC.