Top 10 Travel Moments

I have been fortunate to have been on a fair number of student travel adventures in the last 3 years.  Earlier this year I gave a presentation on why I felt student travel was so important.  And one of the three points I made is that traveling builds Community.  It builds RELATIONSHIPS.  And so as I started to list my favourite travel moments I started to realize that the thing that made them my favourite moments is that they were all about building and strengthening relationship.  So in no particular order:

1.  Singing Bob Marley with the Druids (London 2014) - We were lucky enough to get an all access pass to Stonehenge the day of the Equinox.  This was a 6:00 AM hand holding, circle forming, group singing kid of endeavour with the local druids, which ended in us singing "Three Little Birds" at the top of our lungs. Sure enough that became the theme song of the trip, and every time I hear it, this is the memory I go straight back to.  I'm certain our group would agree that this freezing cold morning was a memorable one.

2.  Interviewing Broadway Stars (NYC 2012) - When we were in NYC our students were taking journalism and photography courses from Columbia University.  One of their assignments was to interview someone.  They were also suppose to try and write a descriptive article on an experience.  Well that night we had tickets for "Newsies," the newest broadway show.  After the show I suggested that we stick around and wait for the dancers/actors to exit. Given that we had some huge dance (and "So You Think You Can Dance") fans in the group, they waited out side - and then were brave enough to ask their favourite actor/dancers if they could interview them.  So there they were, hanging out on Broadway, interviewing Broadway's newest stars - and glowing.  Watching them walk into their dreams (and hearing them talk about if for the rest of the night) was priceless.

3.  That time I went to NASA (Florida 2014) - Most of my travels have led to me delighting in my students as they discover new and exciting things in the world.  But this was all about me fulfilling a childhood memory.  When I was growing up I wanted to be an astronaut SO bad.  And I knew EVERYTHING about NASA and space history.  So walking into NASA, seeing the globe, staring at the Saturn V, and walking in Neil Armstrong's footsteps was a dream come true.  And even better was the smiles on my students faces as they were delighting in my goofy grins and wide-eyed wonder.  

4.  That time Shweta lost her voice (Disneyland 2014) - It's amazing how the smallest moments can lead to the most unexpected outcomes.  When we were in Disneyland Shweta lost her voice.  Those of her who know her may rejoice, or laugh, or just shrug your shoulders because you aren't surprised. But I didn't know Shweta very well.  But by the end of the second day, she was in a lot of pain, and couldn't speak.  We couldn't find a Halls anywhere, and it was pitch back and the park was closing.  The rest of our crew headed back to the hotel, and Shweta and I embarked on a speed walking mission to find some relief - which we eventually found in the fancy lobby of the Disneyland Hotel.  Now, this doesn't seem like a special moment to those of you reading - except this lead to 1 hour of walking, exploring, and talking (or squeaking/whispering) - which lead to a beautiful relationship.  Getting to know students well starts in the ordinary moments.  And this was an ordinary moment in an extraordinary place.

5.  The Baby Gorillas (Florida 2014) - When we were in Florida we had plans to go swim with the Manatees.  But then Jennah and Gurveer got sick.  Another example of an ordinary moment.  Flu happens.  So while the majority of the group headed off for a day in the river, I stayed behind, bringing juiceboxes and fruit to the sick students until they could stand up straight again.  Now I was sad that they were missing a day of fun, so I worked out a deal with my groups coordinator, and we ended up spending the day in the Animal Kingdom.  Now, they were recovering, so rides were out. So we agreed to a slow day of animal watching.  When we got down to the gorilla pavilion their were two BABY gorillas.  2 months and 4 months old.  The little baby was lying on the ground playing in the air, and then eventually wrapped around his mama's leg while she walked.  One of them was trying to learn to crawl, and the 5 year old pushed him over for fun.  Big mama DID NOT like that and rushed in to protect the little one.  Everything about this was beautiful, and adorable, and jaw-dropping and magical.  Unlikely I ever see an infant gorilla again.  Sharing this experience was priceless.

6.  Bohemian Rhapsody on the Thames (London 2014) - One Sunday night in London, after dinner, the group was heading back to the hotel.  I wanted to take the time to hear Big Ben chime and take night photos along the river.  The other chaperones were guiding the group back, but 4 students asked if they could come with us.  When we travel with students the majority of our time is well scheduled. It's important with large groups to have order and organization.  So in those few moments where you can be spontaneous, they come with great beauty and authenticity.  We walked along the South Bank, taking pictures of the river, and the Eye, and Parliament.  The girls found a performing space, and without any prompting, started belting out a lovely (and overly dramatic) rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody."  This was followed by onlookers, then laughter, then the bell striking 9, and finally a turfing competition on the tube ride back to the hotel.  

7.  Main Street Blues (Disneyland 2014) - On our last night in Disneyland we were suppose to meet up at the front of Main Street.  Slowly students came down the main way back towards the exit and joined our crowd.  The park was getting quieter, and the glow of Main Street felt magical.  We all sat in a circle on the ground.  As students got to the front they would join us.  Each bringing a sigh and a frown that this experience had come to an end.  In our 3 days together we had grown from friends to family, and every one knew it.  We weren't ready to leave this moment and let it become memory.  So we just sat there.  Even I, the teacher, who should have been directing us to get up and head home, was fixed in my seat. One more smile, one more laugh, one more group hug.  We savoured it as long as we could.  

8.  Jelly Bean Roulette (Florida 2014) - Pool side.  21 students in a circle.  Brown paper bag filled with Every Flavour Beans, purchased at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  Vomit tastes like - Vomit.  Insert screams, gags and laughter.  I think you get the picture.  

9.  Dough Balls (London 2014) - Delicious.  We became obsessed. In fact, happiness is now measured on a scale of zero to dough balls.  Mmmmm.  Dough balls.....

10.  Compliment Circle (Vedder River 2015) - This year student council went on a camping retreat together.  On our last night, around the fire, I thought it would be nice if we went around and said something nice about each person here.  After the first person we needed to limit it to 5 compliments. I thought this would be a positive and uplifting experience. And it was.  WAS IT EVER.  Except that everyone had such beautiful things to say - compliments, anecdotes, stories - and tears.  LOTS OF TEARS. After 3.5 hours (and being WAY past bedtime) we were left with embers in the fire, a dark sky, and a campsite full of tears, hugs and love.  I think the whole group would agree that this was beyond special (and emotionally exhausting).  

There are so many more, for example

• That time I had to ground some students
• That time Gaston did pull ups with Kaitlin hanging from his arm
• That time we managed to sneak students to the front of the line with Anna and Elsa
• That time we met Arthur Darvill
• That time we saw Darwin's Spirit Collection
• That time we went behind the scenes at Universal
• That time we road the Hogwarts Express
• That time we leader that anything is possible

So as I am here, only 431 hours away from my next travel adventure, I cannot wait for more special moments to add to the list.  #shseurope - are you ready?

MANATEE DAY - by Meghann Kenkel

Disclaimer : We are WELL aware of the controversy associated with being in the water with manatees. It is something that we took very seriously and strongly considered not doing. We did a lot of research before settling on the company that we chose. They were highly recommended and we were very happy with the experience that we were given with them.

My alarm went off at 445, and I jumped out of bed faster than I think I ever have. It was MANATEE DAY! I quickly went about getting students out of bed and ready to go. This was our earliest morning, and the only morning that kids had to remember things, but, as usual, everyone was ready to go. A couple of girls had fallen ill so Alyssa (Ms. Becker) had decided to stay back with them. I had half-heartedly offered to stay with them, but in reality it was a lifelong dream of mine to see manatees. This was the one day on the trip that I had taken a real leadership role in planning. Alyssa’s taking one for the team was bigger than she even knew.

Something you never want to hear from your bus driver at 5 am…. « I’m not sure the bus is going to make it…I think the transmission is failing ». Something you NEVER EVER want to hear from your bus driver « I’m going to have to pull over and wait for a new bus cause this one is done » especially when you are on the side of the freeway at 6 am with over 20 sleeping teenagers. Luckily the new bus came quickly, we did a daring switch into the new one and we were back on our way.

We arrived at Crystal River watersports about 40 minutes late, but they were ready and waiting for us and after a quick explanation on how to act around manatees and why they are endangered and squishing ourselves into wet suits (with varying degrees of sucess) we piled onto our assigned boats and off we went. We were extremely lucky in that the day that we went out was the last day that you were allowed to enter certains parts of the river with boats in order to protect the manatees who come up the rivers in the winter months to keep warm. This was a complete coincidence, but extremely lucky for us.

Words cannot describe the experience of being in the water and having one of these 2000 pound mammals swim towards you. Without a doubt I can classify it as one of the top 10 experiences in my life, and many of the students considered it the highlight of the trip. We had been advised before we got in the water to stay as still and quiet as possible, and not to surround a manatee. I am so pleased to say that the students were amazing. In the hour that we were in the water, everyone got close to a manatee and no one acted inappropriately. It was utterly amazing.

Admittedly, I dropped the ball and somewhere got the idea that we were not allowed to bring our towels on the boat with us, so when we got out of the water there were some very cold students and teachers…I borrowed the coat of our captain to help keep me warm.

Upon our return to dry land, a change of clothes and well deserved Subway/McDonalds lunch was all that stood between us and the headlands of the Everglades.  We were set to go our airboat tours to see aligators. Pulling up to Wild Willy’s airboat adventures, I wondered what I had gotten us into. While Trip Advisor had highly recommended the company, and they had been fantastic with accomodating our large group, the building was a small shed on the water in the middle of a trailer park. I am however EXTREMELY pleased to report that the company exceeded my expectations.

For the airboat tours, we were able to have 6 people on each boat at a time. This meant breaking up the students so that half went on a tour while the other half stayed behind. In the time that we were waiting, we were given the chance to relax, have a snack, unwind (hugely important on this trip), and hold a baby aligator. This was awesome! When I went on the tour I was sad to only see once large gator, but when one of the girls asked about a flower she saw our guide took it as an opportunity to tell us all about lotus flowers and the other plants of the area. I later found out that all the different tours were different based on the group. The same guide that took myself and the girls out and talked about flowers, talked about predators and prey with the boys. It was an awesome experience that was significantly more informative than I expected, but just as fun.

 What was interesting to me on this day was the reaction of the students. Many of them expressed that it was one of their favourite days mainly because it was something different. They had all been to theme parks before and even though it was different in them, none of them had ever swam with manatees…some didn’t even know what they were.  

Building Relationships - by Eugenie

"Part of growing up is realizing you learn to love so many people.  It's about forming those relationships and finding what will last forever." - Dylan O'Brien

Truthfully, I absoutely loved Florida.  Every second of it.  The parks were awesome, the food was great, and the weather was magnificent.  There were moments when I was a little exhausted and overwhelmed, but I knew that every single one of us felt that way at one point or another.  I didn't expect anything less that that; we were marathon 5000 km away from home, walking for most the the day, whilst constantly being surrounded by a sea of people.

Throughout the trip I was always reminding myself of the main reason why I decided to go in the first place.  Yes, I love science and travelling, but I chose to go on this trip because I had a mission.  And that mission was to build relationships.  I wanted to meet new people and have genuine conservations with people I've never really talk to before.

Luckily, I got to do exactly that.  I went into those trip knowing that I had no obligation to only sticky with certain people.  I floated from group to group and I learned tons about these people that I once knew nothing about.  I ate tons of super wicked food with different people, I explored the parks with different groups, and the best part of it all was the conversations I had with these awesome human beings.

I've made some pretty rad friends o this trip and I'm so thankful that I was fortunate enough to have done on this amazing adventure alongside 26 stunning individuals!  At the end of the day I know that the chances of these friendships lasting is unknown, but one thing is for sure, the memories I have made with these wonderful people will last a lifetime!

My Florida Top 5 - by Ali

It was really difficult to narrow down my top five things about this trip, since it originally started with seven items and grew from there, before I had to bring it back down.  As much as I would have loved to explain why I loved every single minute of this trip, I just picked out the very best, in my opinion.

Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley (Universal Studios) 

“BUTTERBEER”

I was really looking forward to going to Hogwarts.  From the minute I found out that it was on the trip, to the minute we arrived, it was sitting in the back of my mind, jumping up and down with excitement.  When we finally arrived, I was a bit nervous that it wouldn’t be as grand and magical as I hoped it would, but those fears were unfounded.  IT. WAS. AMAZING!!!!  I felt really immersed in the whole “Muggles in Hogsmeade” experience, and the shops, food, and villagers made it even better.  I loved getting butterbeer (it was fantastic), going on the Hogwarts Express to Diagon Alley, and seeing the GIANT DRAGON ON GRINGOTTS THAT BREATHED FIRE EVERY TEN MINUTES!!!!  The clothing shop mirrors that told you were looking fine, or alternatively that it really wasn’t your style.  Even seeing the people of all ages running around with wands and casting spells added to the experience.  Basically, it was awesome.

Manatees

“Look at its lil’ face!”

Now, I could talk about the manatees all day, but I won’t.  Essentially, they were adorable.  It was so cool to see them in their natural habitat, where you could be swimming along in the surprisingly not frigid waters and one would rise up out of the gloom like a surfacing submarine (yes, the first time one did that, I thought it was a submarine).  It was really different to see them where they actually live, to see a bit more about how they act, as opposed to how they act merely in theory.  Then there was that one sunbathing manatee who just floated by the boat and let everyone pet him/her.  And there was the mom manatee who went drifting by with her baby, and my mind exploded with cuteness overload.  All cuteness aside, they were very beautiful creatures who just drift around happily all day, and that’s a really nice thing to watch.

Kali River Rapids (Animal Kingdom)

“I know this isn’t a picture of Kali River Rapids, or of us after getting soaked, but this picture is important and must be shared.”

I felt like I needed to single out this ride in particular.  I went on it five times with my faithful companion Jacob, who got soaking wet as well, but not as wet as the last time in which I was that ONE PERSON who got drenched... and then I never dried and had to change when we got back.  But anyways, it was so much fun to first play water roulette on who would be that ONE PERSON, and then to cackle hysterically when the newbies got on with their little ponchos and thought they were safe.  After a period of time, we felt pretty much like practiced tour guides, warning them as they looked up and down our drenched frames with horror.

 The rides in Universal Studios

*internal screaming*
Universal Studios, especially the Marvel island, was great.  I got to go on The Incredible Hulk (terrifying), both dinosaur rides (terrifying), and the Spiderman ride (not terrifying).  I can’t believe I survived the Hulk and the dino rides, but for me, the real highlight was Spiderman.  When we went on it first with the lights on so the effects were less realistic, I thought “Wow, this is amazing.  It can’t possibly get better!” and then we did it with the lights off and I thought “IT GOT BETTER HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE?”  After we got to go around the back and look at how the cars and effects worked, it got so much more amazing.  For me, the best part was how the cars only move at one extremely slow speed through the track, and yet the tilting and shaking makes it feel like your speed is changing.  It was ingenious.

Team Physics and Team Geology Rocks!

Finally, I have to mention Team Physics (Becks) and Team Geology Rocks (Mama Kenks).  Throughout many of our activities and almost all our workshops, we were split into two groups, and the sense of camaraderie was brilliant.  When doing the Physics workshops, and the tours at Animal Kingdom, and pretty much anywhere else, everyone on the trip really bonded.  The very first exciting thing for me on the entire trip was Mr. Becker showing up and destroying everyone at Smash Bros.  Just being with all those people was awesome.  We got to learn about each other, compete (I’m lookin’ at you, rover building challenge), and even just hang out like at the African Buffet and Margaritaville.  The people are always the best part of anything, and I’m really glad I got to spend time with such great ones.

Thank you Mrs. Becker, Ms. Kenkel, and Mr. Becker for bringing us on this trip.  It truly was the experience of a lifetime.

A Dream Fulfilled

When I was 13 years old Apollo 13 came out.  This epic tale of the "successful failure" of 1970 changed by life.  I watched it and I was hooked.  I wanted nothing more than to be an astronaut.

I watched that movie over and over again, several times a week, some times every day.  When I reached the first 100 viewings, the VHS went dead, and my mom had to buy me a new one.  When I ran that one dead I finally bought the DVD.  And when I started teaching, I bought a second DVD to leave in my classroom.

At 13 my ceiling was covered in star constellations, and the moon dangled above my desk.  My bed was placed at just the right angle to watch the moon rise from it every night.  I had lamps, candles and blankets covered with stars, shelves with books, and duotangs filled with research about the space program and the universities that would help me get there.  This was the dream.  I had to work for NASA.  And so every day I would BEG my parents to take me to Florida, to visit the Cape.  To stand where "they" stood - the men and women brave enough to leave our planet.  It just never happened.

Until November 9, 2014.

When I travel I'm usually pretty good at keeping my cool.  I'm a details person and I travel with large groups of students, who are always my priority.  But when our bus pulled into the NASA parking lot, keeping my cool wasn't an option.  I was full-on geeking out.

There are 7 parking lots at NASA.  Named for the Mercury 7 astronauts.  In order.  Parking lot 1 being Alan Shepherd, 3 being John Glenn and so on.  I wasn't even off the bus and i was vibrating in my seat.  The NASA globe greeted us, and at 9:00 am, at the opening of the park, they played the national anthem. While not "my" national anthem, it was a sign of respect and honour for all those who had served their country through expeditions into space.  I was so proud to see how instantly respectful out students were.  Then again, our Florida family here really are the best.

Our workshop started the best way possible - with a talk and Q&A with Astronaut Winston Scott.  Inspiring does not even begin to cover how I felt about hearing him speak.  The first thing that struck me was his confidence and his passion and excitement towards space flight and research.  I knew just listening to him that I never had the right temperament to be an astronaut.  I was born to teach, and there has never been a moment of regret on my path.  But knowing that I could never do what he did (and most could not display his level of confidence, calm and courage in the face of extreme circumstances such as his) just made my respect him that much more.  The second thing I love is that his Bachelor's degree is in MUSIC.  That's right.  MUSIC.  Then he went on to study engineering later.  And when the kids asked him about this, he said, "Why limit yourself to being just one thing?"  I think this is such beautiful advice.  Why indeed.  Captain Scott plays the trumpet in a NASA band, and then would fly to space.  Before that he flew "Top Gun" F-14 Tomcats for the Navy.  Now he teaches at a University and inspires others.  Why limit yourself.  He never did.

We then had a chance to participate in a Mars Rover Engineering Challenge.  I can promise future Physics students that you will be seeing this in my classroom - because it was amazing.  NASA's understanding of the scientific method, planning, testing, adjusting, testing, working together, experimenting, testing again....is really unparalleled.  And more than just the activity itself, but watching our students work together so well, and so creatively was more than I could have asked for. Ms. Kenkel and Mr. Becker got super competitive about it, but in the end lost to Parm, Emily, Danilyn and Justin - who worked together so well, had an unparalleled attention to detail, and really showed the rest of us how it's done.

There was a workshop on developments we use in our every day life because of the space garden and a stroll through the Rocket Garden.  And I got to walk along the gantry way that Neil and Buzz walked on their way to crawl into Columbia, on top of the Saturn V rocket.  The space mission to top all space missions.  The one that brought man to the moon.  And I walked up and down their path - with the bright orange bars exactly as I remembered them from every time I watched the moon launch over and over again in my teen years.  I closed my eyes and tried to image how it felt.  I'm pretty sure less frightening that it would have been for them - I wasn't 500 feet above the ground next to the world's biggest rocket - complete with rocket fuel (so powerful in fact you had to be at least 3 miles away at the time of launch).  The experience can't be adequately described - though I'm sure from the ridiculous grin on my face in the photos, you may get the idea.

After the workshop we got in line for the bus to take us 5 miles away from the main complex to the Saturn V complex - the building out near the launch pad the holds a full Saturn V rocket - worlds largest - and the rocket that was used for the Apollo (moon) Program.  Again - after almost 20 years of being passionately in love with the thought of space travel, I cannot describe what it was like to stand there - right next to it.  To see a moon vehicle, Lunar exclusion module, command module, service module, and of course, to touch a moon rock (much smoother, denser, and darker than I expected, for the record).  Sadly, we were pressed for time, so we quickly loaded back the bus to return.

And then there was the Atlantis Building.  With the now-retired Atlantis Space Shuttle - one of three remaining shuttles that has been to space.  After a short movie on how the Space Shuttle came to be (which turns out to be a brilliant story in problem solving, persistence and the scientific method), the current arose to reveal Atlantis, it all it's glory.  Goosebumps.  Ahhhh!  I was the nerd standing next to the screen, who ran out to meet it - and photograph it - before the rest of the tourists to catch up.  There was no end to my geek-out in sight!  The Atlantis building has a launch simulator that I had to miss (as I wanted time to go to the space shop! biggest in the world!!), the original prototype of the shuttle (i.e.: giant paper airplane), a space toilet, international space station model to crawl through, and of course - "emergency exits" - also known as the slide that gets you back down to the bottom floor.  NASA really does think of anything.

My only regret about this day is that I was unable to control time, to slow it down and give me the moments I needed to savour it all.  Guess I'll just have to go back again soon.

Kennedy Space Center, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Welcome to Orlando - by Shweta

TODAY IS NOVEMBER 9, 2014. Today is the day following a red eye flight in which all (or at least the most) of us kids and teachers (except Ms. Kenkel, with her skillful plane sleeping abilities) stayed up, unable to sleep on a red-eye flight from Sea-Tac International Airport to Orlando International Airport.  And while a few of us may have caught some z's in there, I know I couldn’t sleep. But I turned this struggling into a positive by buying wi-fi to use on the plane - so it wasn’t completely a total bust of time! In addition, I was grateful to have given myself a good solid whole night’s sleep the night prior to the flight, which helped. A LOT.  I realize now I prefer daytime flights over red-eye flights.  I personally find it really hard to sleep on buses or planes, or just anything that I can’t use as a bed. Plus, I feel more awake in the day (for obvious reasons), and I find it’s generally easier to be productive on daytime flights. Well, maybe "productive" is the wrong word, but during the day there is least the opportunity to socialize, and get to know your group better.  No one frowns on you for the constant chatter, and enthusiasm is encouraged, instead of stifled while you try to respect everyone attempt to fight for those few previous minutes of sleep that they can get.  But I feel really disoriented on night flights, like how one would feel after waking up from an afternoon nap. Nevertheless, it was a very tiring, but any experience required to get us to Orlando was well worth it

We hit the ground running when we landed, and let me say that entering the park was so surreal.  I was literally a zombie as we came through the gates. But sleep exhaustion aside, we jumped right into the fun (in an effort to help kick-start our adrenaline so we wouldn’t collapse onto the ground). The park we explored today was Hollywood Studios, which had some similarities to California Adventure Park in Disneyland (though Hollywood Studios is much smaller). I won’t go into a huge compare/contrast of Disneyworld and Disneyland because I’ve been to only one park here in Florida so far, and I don’t know enough about the former to criticize. But, that doesn’t mean they both don’t radiate the same magic!  I'm looking forward to seeing what the other 3 parks here at the magical World of Disney have to offer!

I swear I will not recite my whole day today, but I did want to mention that I spent half of it with Mom & Dad, (Mr. & Mrs. Becker), and Mama Kenks (Ms. Kenkel). It was time well spent, and definitely going to be continued over the near future. I love getting to spend time with teachers.  Getting to now them and enjoying time with them from a non-academic yet academic perspective (I hope that makes sense - if not, I blame it on the fact that I brain-turning-to-mush level sleepy) is really fun, and really, unlike any other fun you can enjoy.

Tomorrow, we’re going to go and explore the past and present of manned space flight, learn about engineering and other super cool stuff at NASA, and not to mention MEET AN ACTUAL ASTRONAUT, the one and only, Captain Winston E. Scott!! THE EXCITEMENT CANNOT BE CONTAINED.  I guarantee you a much more detailed story of that experience to come.

Now I am going to recharge my mind’s fried batteries. Stay tuned for more of Shweta's jumbled thoughts tomorrow!

Hello World, It's Me, Shweta!

Hey there world, 

My name is Shweta Sehijpaul. I'm in the 12th grade, at Sullivan Heights, the best school anyone could ask for. As of this moment, I'm sitting at my computer, typing with a heavy pit of trepidation in my stomach, counting down the minutes to the next adventure of my life. 

Destination? Orlando, Florida. Time remaining till we're off? T-minus 5 days, 20 hours, 20 minutes and 11 seconds. Level of excitement on a scale of 1 to 10? STRAIGHT UP TO 1 MILLION!!  Have I packed yet? HA, NOPE. I'll get to that soon enough. I'm probably going to remember about half the things I didn't bring as soon as we land at the airport. (I digress quite a bit - you'll definitely see a large bit of that in my posts to come).

Anyway, why on earth am I going to Florida with 23 other students and 3 awesome teachers? FOR SCIENCE (all wrapped up together with fun with a pretty bow on top)! Florida is home to Kennedy Space Center, DisneyWorld, EPCOT, Universal Studios, and Crystal River. All of these places have a little bit (or a lot) of science woven into them, which is one of the many beautiful things about them. Physics and wildlife conservation are the naturally magical subjects we'll learn more about at Disney, we will literally dive into ecosystem education at Crystal River while swimming with manatees, we will get hands on with engineering alongside the experts over at NASA, while spending some quality time with NASA Astronaut Captain Winston E. Scott. And of course, greenhouse tours at EPCOT, learning how to build roller-coasters, studying how technology helped create the thrill-seeking rides of Universal Studios, plus so much more.

I can't wait to go and experience it all, and to share it all with you, lovely readers! Look forward to hearing tons about these, plus more about these experiences and and my thoughts in general.

Only 5 days, 20 hours, 9 minutes and 11 seconds remaining!​