Shipwrecks in Puerto Rico

               Puerto Rico is well known for their wildlife and rain forests but what else is there to discover in this foreign land? What about under the ocean surrounding the small island? My project is about ship wrecks off the coasts of Puerto Rico. This is a very interesting topic to me. I have learned a lot of background information about the history of the island just by the kinds of ships and the history behind the way the they sank, or what they carried aboard the vessels. The most common ships I have read about are the spanish merchandise ships that carried hundred to thousands of pounds in gold and other valuables such as diamonds. The most amazing vessel I have discovered in my research would be the six passenger airplane that sunk in over 50 feet of water. The habitats that these ships have created for the sea life is absolutely amazing. Hundreds of different species of coral grow on these vessels and along with them come many different fish and other sea life. My next step in my research is going to be looking for a wreck that is close enough to the shore so that we can possibly visit it. Also I am looking into how these ships stay in the condition they are in after hundreds of years in the high acidic environment of the salty ocean.

Introduction To My Project

I have taken a poll from every one in my school to see what was the most interesting thing to do a project on and I got caves. Many people wanted me to do other things but in the end most wanted me to do caves. I have conducted a project that I want to do. I gathered different information about different things. So I want to use all of the information so I want to do a project on how they were formed, what life forms are inside of the caves, how the species live in there, and how the caves here and there are different. i have organized all of the information into different categories on what the information contains. I am very exited to go to Puerto Rico and learn all of the different things there is to learn down there. I want to do all the things there are to do down there. When we go I will be able to say I did something that means something to me.

Excitement and Titus!

I am getting so excited for the trip. My research has reassured me a bit that there aren't too many critters I need to worry about getting bit by. Although there is something called the Puerto Rican Giant Centipede... They're big, scary looking, AND venomous... Yikes!
In other news Titus molted over vacation. It was the most uneventful molt I have ever seen one night he was just sitting content in his terrarium, and then when I checked on him the next morning I saw him sitting next to his molt. When my other tarantula molted, she took about a day and a half and it was like was almost like waiting for a mother to deliver a baby (I was away and it was the first tarantula molt I experienced. I kept having my boyfriend update me on how she was doing every hour or so =P )Titus is about the size of the palm of my hand now, and has long legs and a small body almost like a baby horse. I can't wait until the next time I feed so then he'll get big and happy again =]

-Andi

GETTING INTO SHAPE!

As our visit to Puerto Rico grows closer and closer, we—the Sustainable Ed. class—have started making preparations for the trip. We are in the discussion phase, which is mostly brainstorming and sharing our thoughts, questions and concerns regarding the trip. Things like: ‘What luggage do we need to bring?’ ‘What specific gear will we need (hiking boots, non-cotton apparel, etc.)?’ and ‘What activities will we partake in while we are there?’ It is both comforting and reassuring to be able to voice whatever worries or concerns one might have and be supported by our peers one hundred percent.

One issue that has become a growing concern for many of us is our physical limitations. It has been nearly four months since the Lister Leaf Busters were in business. The work we did (the yards we raked) and the physical exertion was, for many of us, our primary source of exercise, and, although all the raking helped get us into shape, the completion of the raking season also meant the end of our free work outs. Most of us are not super fit and drawing from past experience (like last year’s trip to Costa Rica) it is important that some of us (like myself) practice getting into physical shape so that we are able to participate to our fullest and not become exhausted after short periods of time. To help with this, our teacher, Bryan, has arranged for several weekly opportunities for us to exercise and build up our strength, both physically and psychologically. During Skill Center (Study Hall) on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, the members of our class are going to engage in outdoor activities that will help improve us, physically. The exercise regime has not been determined as of yet, but some of our ideas are: hiking, walking, rock-climbing, and strength-training.

These exercises are intended to benefit those of us who need to improve our physical abilities, but it will also bring us closer as a group. How? Those of us who are lacking in strength and endurance will learn to pick up the pace and push ourselves harder so that our presence is not detrimental to the group; those who are already in good physical shape will practice holding back and reducing their pace slightly so that they are not largely ahead of the rest of us. The overall goal is that when we hike in Puerto Rico, we are able to do so together as a group. This will undoubtedly enhance our trip and our ability to experience all the extraordinary things Puerto Rico has to offer to a hard-working and well-deserving group of students such as us.

Robert's Project

  My project is about fish in Puerto Rico, and the different fish there.  The reason why I am doing this project is so I can learn more about Puerto Rico, and because fish are cool.  I am going to be working with Jason Lambert.  He is going to teach me how to tie a fly and make a lures .The picture is of a Peacock bass.  They are found in Puerto Rico. 

Joshua - My research project

I am doing a research project based on the economy of Puerto Rico, since it is part of the U.S. and comparing it to the economy of the U.S. Some of the things that I will compare are how well their economy stood during our economic crises. I will also study how they make money, how they get funds, how well their economy is, and how they are involved in the stock market. The reason I chose this project is because I have always been interested in economics. One of the other things that I will research are things about the government. These two things are the things I do best in school with because they really interest me. I will post more next chance I get.

So excited!

It's going to be March in a few weeks, which only leaves two months left until the trip,and Puerto Rico seems so real now. I am nervous and exited all at once and I think my fellow students feel the same!


-Andi

GENOCIDE IN PUERTO RICO?

The more research I do on the Native American tribes of pre-Columbian Puerto Rico, the more interested I become. I was shocked and horrified to learn exactly how bloody and horrific life was for the Arawak and Carib tribes, particularly after the usurpation of the Spaniards. I keep coming across the word "Genocide" which cannot be good. On the other hand, perhaps it will help in the near-future when I am defining my project; maybe I could do some sort of in-depth exposé on the mistreatings of Native Americans by Europeans or something to that nature. Actually, I have been so enthralled by the Native American tribes that I have done little research on the other two historic eras of my project (The Spanish Rule and the U.S. Rule). But seeing as how I am on a roll, I think I will continue to indulge my curiosity with the Arawak and Carib tribes...for at least one more week.

HERE ARE SOME INTERESTING FACTS I'VE LEARNED ABOUT THE ARAWAKS AND THE CARIBS:
-The evidence suggesting that the Carib people were, in fact, cannibals appears subjective. Apparently, after greeting Columbus, the Taíno Indians told him that the Caribs "ate human flesh," among other things. Considering the hostile relationship between the two tribes, it'd be like having your greatest enemy describe you to someone; they probably wouldn't say very nice things.
-Both the Arawaks and the Caribs were skilled craftsmen: The Arawaks were extremely talented at pottery and jewelry-making, whereas the Caribs were exceptional basket-weavers.
-The Taíno (Arawak) developed the cotton hammock for sleeping in; the Spaniards later "stole" their design and brought the idea back to Europe. The advanced concept flourished as a clever solution to the common issue of sleeping arrangements in ships, and is still used to this day.