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Tropical Field Research
During the Seeds of Change Tropical Rainforest Research Program, students are immersed in a hands-on field research program that takes advantage of the immense biodiversity of the tropical rainforest. They learn how to apply the scientific method while collaborating with team members to establish their original research question as well as the experimental design for their project. Students work t...
During the Seeds of Change Tropical Rainforest Research Program, students are immersed in a hands-on field research program that takes advantage of the immense biodiversity of the tropical rainforest. They learn how to apply the scientific method while collaborating with team members to establish their original research question as well as the experimental design for their project. Students work together to implement their research and learn how to work as a team to overcome challenges and rebound from failures within resource and time constraints, just as in any real-world project. They use statistics to validate the results of their experiments and give presentations showing the results of their work, just like any research scientist would! The Tropical Field Research program prepares s...
Program Highlights
Costa Rica program - Study in one of the most biodiverse places on the planet!
Conduct research with 2-3 others on your team at the only Tropical Rainforest Campus dedicated to high school students!
Develop a presentation that is eligible for regional, state, and international science fair competition.
Spend your free time engaging in fun outdoor activities: horseback riding, surf lesson, hikes to waterfalls, and cultural interactions and excursions!
In the final 2 days, head to the Pacific coast to a sea turtle hatchery - patrol for nesting sea turtles!
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Quick Details
- Costa Rica
- 1-2 Weeks
- Alternative Spring Break
- Summer
- Experiential Learning
- Outdoor Education
- American
Program Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
A wonderful experience!
April 23, 2024by: Madeline Hace - United StatesProgram: Tropical Field ResearchI attended the Tropical Field Research program the summer after my freshman year in High School. It was an amazing experience to be able to perform research far more advanced then anything I would learn in my High School courses. Being able to create an original experiment and collect data to test our hypothesis definitely prepared me for the rigor of college courses. Additionally, it was so eye opening to learn all about Costa Rican culture and spend 10 days immersed within it. Some highlights include, a cooking class with a local woman, swimming in breathtaking waterfalls and looking for nesting turtles on the beach. Additionally, the research staff are wonderful and the food is beyond incredible. I cannot recommend this program enough, it is definitely part of the reason that I am pursuing a STEM focused career today!

These trips were the definition of Life-changing.
March 10, 2024by: Joe Geddie - United StatesProgram: Tropical Field ResearchI did the first and second year of this program and they were the two best trips of my life. It almost makes me sad knowing that I won’t be able to have an experience as good as these again. I made friends on these trips from every walk of life and state in America and I’ve kept up with them to great degrees. The organizers of the program have every detail accounted for and when things inevitably go wrong plans seamlessly merge and go forward without a hitch. The science performed in both years is invaluable for anyone desiring to go into the STEM field and has set me up for success in not just my high school science classes but in college as well. The research performed with scientists from the best universities in the world will make every participant on the shortlist for doing research when they arrive in their college of choice. Both of these 10 day trips changed who I am and why I do what I do. Every day I woke up to the view (pictured below) and wondered if the whole thing was a dream. I will never look at my life the same and hope that every person can have a similar experience with Seeds of Change.

Incredible experience!
March 05, 2024by: Silas Logan - United StatesProgram: Tropical Field ResearchThe SOC tropical research trip was a wonderful experience for me! I loved having the opportunity to work with professionals and academics, and the experience was great for my resume. The country and culture is also beautiful. I highly recommend this if you are considering it!
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Costa Rica
Types and Subjects
- Subjects & Courses
- Animal Science
- Biochemistry
- Biology
Availability
Years Offered: 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027
- 1-2 Weeks
- Alternative Spring Break
- Summer
Age Requirement
Age Requirement Varies
Guidelines
- American
- This Program is also open to Solo, Group
Cost per week
Program Cost Includes
- Tuition & Fees
- Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
- All Program Activity Costs
- Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accommodation Options
- Dormitory
- Group living
- Guest House
Qualifications & Experience
- English
Language Skills Required
- High School Freshman (1st Year)
- High School Sophomore (2nd Year)
Accepted Education Levels
Application Procedures
- Physical Exam/Health Records
Ready to Learn More?
During the Seeds of Change Tropical Rainforest Research Program, students are immersed in a hands-on field research program that takes advantage of the immense biodiversity of the tropical rainforest. They learn how to apply the scientific method while collaborating with team members to establish their original research question as well as the experimental design for their project. Students work together to implement their research and learn how to work as a team to overcome challenges and rebound from failures within resource and time constraints, just as in any real-world project. They use statistics to validate the results of their experiments and give presentations showing the results of their work, just like any research scientist would! The Tropical Field Research program prepares s...

Seeds of Change Research

Seeds of Change Research
Ready to Learn More?
During the Seeds of Change Tropical Rainforest Research Program, students are immersed in a hands-on field research program that takes advantage of the immense biodiversity of the tropical rainforest. They learn how to apply the scientific method while collaborating with team members to establish their original research question as well as the experimental design for their project. Students work together to implement their research and learn how to work as a team to overcome challenges and rebound from failures within resource and time constraints, just as in any real-world project. They use statistics to validate the results of their experiments and give presentations showing the results of their work, just like any research scientist would! The Tropical Field Research program prepares s...
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