Science Abroad: Students are going on a science trip to Portugal this summer

Destination: a trip to the Azores in Portugal. Itinerary items include: whale watching, enjoying a meal cooked by the earth’s steam, taking a dip in the mineral-rich thermal pool waters and exploring a lava tunnel.

But that’s not all the activities 16 students and science teachers Carolyn Bossung and Jennifer Davis will participate in for the first time from June 22-29. Since Bossung wants the trip to be a learning experience, they’ll be conducting science experiments such as sampling water sources, talking to local scientists and visiting a volcanology center to learn about geology.

“We talk a lot about science, we do experiments in the classroom, but really we are so removed from what everyday scientists are doing,” Bossung said. “I think the opportunity to see this in action in a place that's different from ours is really special.”

Bossung knew she wanted to travel abroad with students, but she also wanted it to be science-focused. After talking with French teacher Gina Baker a year ago, she found an option — EF Tours — the same company that organizes the language trips.

“I didn't really want it to be about [language], and I wanted it to be a little bit deeper than just sightseeing,” Bossung said. “So I really wanted it to be STEM and also be [a] once in a lifetime [opportunity].”

The trip costs around $6,000 per student and is open to anyone; Bossung will host a fundraiser for students who want to go but can’t afford the cost.

Since there aren’t enough students for a private tour with a 24/7 tour guide, the SM East group will travel with another school from Kansas, totaling 30 students.

Junior Vaughn Davis heard about the trip from her sister, sophomore Lake Davis, who plans to go. Vaughn decided to join her because it’d be a fun opportunity that she wouldn't be able to experience elsewhere.

“I've never heard of a science trip being taken before this, whereas you hear a lot of other [language] trips happen consistently,” Vaughn said. “This one's kind of not one that people are going to get to go on that often.”