The Colegio & the Universidad -- Lizz Keller

After a short time in a classroom, I think we all realized that they have a very different classroom setting and school environment here in Chile. It is much more free-form, noisy, and at times chaotic. I don't know all that much about what balance of aspects makes for the best teaching environment, but I know I would have a hard time as a student in some of those classes! For a couple days last week, I was observing classes of Javier Dosque, a biology teacher who teaches 7th to 12th grade. His classes have some level of disarray (varying by age group), but he will at a point tell students they need to sit or be quiet so the class can go on.

In the elective science class, Brian and I (our teachers combined their class) presented about science and a little of what we do as scientists. He got the group thinking and talking about what science is, what they like about it, and what they think science looks likes a career. I presented more specifically on my research and what we do when offshore. Both of us stressed the outside/field work aspect of our science. One student even asked us if he wanted to study oceanography if he could come to LSU!

Breakfast in bed

Over the weekend, I visited Lota and Dichato with my family. Lota is home to a now closed under-ocean mine as well as a beautiful park with garden and views. Dichato is a beach town that was decimated by the 2010 tsunami, but has rebuilt. We walked the long beach and climbed on rocks bright green with algae to see barnacles, large starfish, snails, mussels, and giant isopods! Luckily, we get to sleep late on the weekends (complete with breakfast in bed) because early mornings to school without early nights to bed have left me chronically tired.

This week, us oceanography students have been predominantly at the University of Concepción. The campus is very pretty and is located in an area where autumn actually occurs (unlike in Louisiana), complete with slightly chilled air and wonderfully colorful foliage. Like many cities and areas here in Chile, it has an abundance of art.

mural at Casa del Arte

We have been attending a marine science conference all week because the faculty we would have worked with are all attending the conference as well. While the conference is overwhelmingly in Spanish, I have been pleased with the amount I have been able to understand and what I have gained from the talks we have attended. We have missed some of the conference experience by not being able to attend the later afternoon and evening events, but being with our families is part of our experience here as well.

one of many graffitied walls in Concepcion

Being at the university has also meant some time spent downtown in the city. We all agree it's pretty cool place to attend a university--lots of restaurants, art, and happenings--all within walking distance!