Saturday, March 14: Our last day in Panama

Today was our last day in Panama before traveling home. We were awakened at 5 a.m. for our flight to the sound of pouring rain.

Thursday, March 12: Day 6—morning activities

This morning, Thursday, March 12, we found that we had to be flexible with our plans. We were initially planning on making our second and final visit to the San Cristobal community, but due to the growing fear of the COVID-19 virus we decided that it would be better for us and the community if only a few group members went back to San Cristobal.

Saturday, March 14

Today, I am writing a blog on one of the best beaches in Boca de Toro in Panama, the starfish beach. What an amazing beach it was!

Tuesday, March 10: Day 4—afternoon in Bastimentos

This afternoon, half the group headed to Up In the Hill, a self-sustaining farm on Bastimentos. We traveled to the highest point on the island for a tour around the farm.

Tuesday, March 10: Day 4—afternoon on the mainland

On Tuesday afternoon, the group split up and half of us went to the mainland to learn about Soroptimists International. Soroptimists is an organization that helps girls gain more access to education, and in Panama they give girls money so they can travel to school.

Friday, March 13, 2020: Day 7

Waking up Friday morning we were so excited to finally have a day to relax! After four days of working in the communities and exploring Bocas del Toro, we had an opportunity to zip line in the tropical rainforest on Bastimentos Island where our resort is.

Thursday, March 12, 2020: Day 6

After doing some exciting data analysis and number crunching, we were hungering for another taste of the ocean. As we headed out of the student center towards the boats, I could feel the exhilaration course through me as this was my first-time snorkeling and I was a tad nervous.

Wednesday, March 11, 2020: Day 5

Today was the first time that we had the opportunity to visit San Cristobal, a community on another island on our archipelago. Unfortunately, upon arrival, we were informed that the Panamanian government had announced that Americans were not to interact with school children.

Tuesday, March 10, 2020: Day 4

On our second day in Valle Escondido, we were focused on engaging the children and teaching them how to take measurements, as well as the importance behind them. While most of the group headed up on the hike to test the water sources, a small group of us stayed back.

Sunday, March 8, 2020: Day 2

We are further exploring Panama City today. It was not until this trip that I understood how the Panama Canal actually works. It was so fun to see the ship crossing the Miraflores Locks. We were lucky to catch the last ship that would cross the locks in the morning!

Saturday, March 7, 2020: Day 1 in Panama!

After leaving the frozen tundra known as Minneapolis, we touched down in Panama around 6 p.m. Friday. We felt the humidity immediately and exchanged smiles over the 90 degree weather that we are not used to. The next day the same sun shined down on us. We woke up, ate a quick breakfast, and hopped in the bus which drove us to the Panama Canal.

Chemistry in the Field: Water Analysis and Environmental Impact

Access to reliable clean water is one of the greatest challenges facing humanity today. The College of Science and Engineering is offering a global seminar experience that will give participants an opportunity to expand their knowledge of chemical analysis and environmental impact.