Students (open to students of grades 8 to 12) will embark on a Galápagos educational trip and Galápagos educational tour, examining why these islands are so special—a living example of Evolution in Progress from which Darwin developed his theory of Natural Selection. This Galápagos Islands educational program explores why the islands have the perfect conditions for rapid Evolution, creating many endemic species seen nowhere else on Earth. Participants in this science field trip to Galápagos will learn about conservation, the delicate landscape, and the role and impact of humans. The trip also covers history, geology, ecology, evolution, and the economics and impact of eco-tourism, making it a comprehensive Galápagos Islands school trip. Students will benefit from a hands-on Galápagos science field trip for school groups, following a detailed Galápagos educational trip itinerary, experiencing Galápagos tours, and participating in the IOI Galápagos program.
We will be working with IOI (Intercultural Outreach Initiative) in America and their counterparts in the Galapagos. Students will be expected to stay with local families on the island of Isabella and work with the science Eco-conservation program every day.
This will give the children great exposure to a different culture through the local people, communicating in Spanish, eating the local cuisine and traveling independently.
She received her doctorate degree in Marine Ecology from Cornell University in 1997, and has and has explored the depths of the ocean off George’s Bank in the Atlantic in a “deep sea submersible" as part of her Ph.d research. She has a wide and varied range of teaching experience, from conducting educational tours at the New Jersey Aquarium, to teaching Undergraduate courses in American Universities and Science ICSE Syllabus for Pre University classes in India. For the past ten years she has been involved in creating and teaching practical science modules for children and has been conducting science workshops in and around Bangalore through her company CURIOUSCITY (www.curiouscity.org). There will also be experts in the field from the Galapagos islands who know the local flora and fauna who will be with us during our field trips. For every 10 students we would have one adult escort.
Each day will include a morning field trip with snorkeling, kayaking, hiking or cycling and an afternoon class.
Description of one of the day excursions DAY 7 – Morning – Bartalome VolcanoLeaving from Santa Cruz, you will travel to the east side of Santiago Island to one of the most visited and well known sites in the Galapagos, Bartolomé island. Bartolomé is home to a distinctive and recognizable site of the archipelago: Pinnacle Rock. Pinnacle Rock, a volcanic cone, was formed when magma was expelled from an underwater volcano. You will first walk along the lava fields on the island. After you will have the chance to snorkel along the beach in front of Pinnacle rock. There’s a good chance you will see sea turtles, penguins, sea lions and a variety of fish. After, you will hike to the top of an incredible view point where you will overlook the famous Pinnacle rock.
Travel from India to Ecuador / Pick up – Overnight in Quito
Morning trip to Bartolomé Island, home of Pinnacle Rock. Walk lava fields, snorkel with sea turtles, penguins, and sea lions. Hike to panoramic viewpoint.
Fly from Quito to India.