BASIS Independent McLean Students Explore the Galapagos Islands

Eleven BASIS Independent McLean (BIM) Spanish and science students, ranging from grade 4 to grade 10, traveled to the Galapagos Islands to explore diverse habitats, exotic animals and South American culture. Science and Spanish Subject Expert Teacher Dr. Monica Isquith, Science Subject Expert Teacher Ms. Katherine McCormick, and four BIM parents joined the South American student expedition, which included a walk along the equator. For more information on BASIS Independent McLean, go to http://mclean.basisindependent.com/.

“As a teacher, I love the immersive study opportunity that BIM allows for in its curriculum,” said Dr. Monica Isquith. “We didn’t just talk about South American habitats, but we got to see, touch, hear and feel what those habitats were about too.”

The study abroad trip commenced in Quito, Ecuador and included a jump from the northern to southern hemispheres at the equator. Several students got to stand on the equator and even took part in educational experiments. The group visited San Cristóbal Island, Isabela Island, and Santa Cruz Island, three of the 21 islands that make up the Galapagos Islands. Students studied plant, animal and habitat conservation, and visited the Darwin Research Center and the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center to learn about conservation efforts for endangered animals.

Galapagos Island habitats are as spectacular as they are varied. Students were able to swim with sea turtles, snorkel with puffer fish and sea urchins, walk the Galapagos Islands’ Flamingo Lake, hike the Sierra Negra volcano, visit the Twin Craters and see lava tunnels.

Though the trip was science focused, students were immersed in the Spanish language and Ecuadorian culture too. They tried new foods and traditional dancing, and had the chance to experience local traditions of religious parades and customs.