From Bath Soaps to Bugs

It's a good thing they feed the students so well here on the Monteverde Campus.  They definitely need their energy when they are walking for most of the day or just being active during their free time. Each meal has been fantastic and most is produced here on the campus farm.  From the lettuce in the salads to the milk from the cows in our local coffee. 

Monday morning the students took a 20 minute walk, some may call it a hike, to a local family owned cosmetics company. Monteverde Cosmetics began its humble beginnings in the 2000's.  Their products are all natural and locally sourced.   Now they work with the University of Costa Rica to produce other cosmetic products such as natural shampoo, conditioners, and lotions. 

After the students learned about the start of this company, the students had the opportunity to help make a batch of orange and coco soap, which if I do say so myself, smelled heavenly.  They took turns adding the ingredients and mixing them together while they melted to make a lovely concoction. They poured the potion into a mold and they were told how the soap cures for a month and then it is able to be used.  Next, the students helped cut some of the already cured soap into the bars that are sold in their store. After the lab tour, the students shopped in the store.  They filled multiple gift boxes and bags to take home to their loved ones and also grabbed a couple of things for themselves.  They were so proud and excited to support a locally owned business and buy amazing products at great prices. 

Furthermore, this week the environmental classes have been focusing on the local species found here in Monteverde. Last week the students set out camera traps. Monday they were able to see what their cameras "caught".  They found many coatis, agutis, and several types of birds.  After this, they set out their rice traps. Each student group made three jars with cooked rice that is covered in netting.  They chose three different locations on campus to bury their rice trap. This allows them to "catch" microorganisms in the soil.  They will dig up these traps and take them back to the lab to be examined in the lab under the microscope.  

Tuesday the students visited the local river to explore the macroinvertebrates.  In class they learned how species of macroinvertebrates are bioindicators of an area.  The students collected specimens and brought them back to the lab to get a closer look. As a class, they determined that the river was very clean based on the species they found. 

Each night the students and the program leaders debrief.  There are many profound discussions.  The students are making meaningful connections with these many hands-on activities here on the Monteverde campus.