NIE ACTIVITY
GEOGRAPHY Connections
This yearlong series is presented in collaboration with the Connecticut Geographic Alliance. For more information about NIE visit www.courantnie.com or call 241-3144.
DID YOU KNOW?
• Costa Rica has a zip-line where you can fly like superman over the Monteverde rain forest canopy for over one kilometer!
TAKE 5
COSTA RICA
Kristie Blanchard, Bacon Academy
& CT Geographic Alliance
Country/City View - Costa Rica is a small country located
in Central America on the isthmus that connects North and
South America. It is approximately the same size as the
states of Vermont and New Hampshire combined. Costa
Rica is a tropical country located close to the equator with
a wet season and a dry season. It is home to many diverse
plant and animal species including the scarlet macaw,
jaguar and three-toed sloth.
Prior to Columbus’ arrival in 1502 there were four major
indigenous tribes living in the region, many of which
died due to smallpox brought over from Europe by the
Spaniards. The name Costa Rica, meaning “rich coast” in
Spanish, comes from Columbus’ writings about his initial
encounters with the local inhabitants who wore gold rings
in their ears and noses. The Spaniards later brought African
slaves to work on coffee plantations. Costa Rica received
its independence from Spain in 1821. It is considered to be
the oldest democracy in Latin America.
The majority of Costa Ricans live in the central part of
the country close to the capital, San Jose. They are well
educated and embrace their ecological and ethnic diversity.
They have many national holidays when families and
friends gather together to have fun. Their favorite holiday
is Mother’s Day, which is celebrated on August 15th. Most
meals (including breakfast) contain rice and beans, fruits
and vegetables. Costa Ricans are not fond of spicy foods;
in fact, a local saying is that “spicy foods make them cry”!
Location: Costa Rica is located between
the countries of Nicaragua and Panama. It is
bordered by the Pacific Ocean on its west,
and the Caribbean Sea on its east. It is at
approximately 10 degrees north latitude,
and 84 degrees west longitude.
Place: The main language is Spanish, and
the majority of people practice Christianity.
Costa Ricans call themselves “Ticos” or
“Ticas”, meaning “little brothers or sisters”.
Many unique creatures live in Costa Rica
including toucans, sloths, monkeys and
sea turtles.
Human Environment: Costa Rica is known
for its eco-tourism and love of the land. People
here have used their environmental setting to
create fun activities like white water rafting,
zip lining through the rain forest, horseback
riding, surfing, and hiking. Although the
government has set aside more than 25% of
its land for conservation, increased tourism
and habitat destruction has contributed to
the 155 plants and animals that are on the
endangered species list.
Movement: Many products that we see in
the supermarket every day are exported
from Costa Rica, including coffee, bananas,
and pineapples. Approximately two million
tourists travel to this tropical country every
year from all over the globe.
Region: Costa Rica is located in the tropics
of Latin America. It is also a part of North
America. Costa Rica itself can be divided into
approximately nine regions based on climate
and environment. These regions include
wetlands, beaches, cloud forests
and volcanoes.
• Along the Caribbean Sea you can watch green sea turtles lay their eggs between July and October.
• You can ride some intense waves while white water rafting along the Rio Sarapiqui.
• Manuel Antonio National Park contains white-faced
capuchin monkeys that steal food from unsuspecting tourists!
• The area near Arenal Volcano contains thermal bathing springs with hot water and the largest lake in Costa Rica.
Map it for Costa Rica:
• Costa Rica is part of the land bridge that connects North and South America. The region of Middle America is wide in Northern Mexico and narrows to the isthmus of Panama. Using a map of the world, locate the following narrow bodies of land (isthmuses):
•Isthmus of Panama • Isthmus of Corinth
•Isthmus of Suez • Auckland Isthmus •Isthmus of Kra • Karelian Isthmus
•Isthmus of Tehuantepec • Isthmus of Medanos
•Isthmus of Avalon
1.Canals are often built across isthmuses. Choose one of the above and state what two bodies of water it connects.
2.Using a map scale, figure out how many miles would be saved by using the Panama Canal on a sea journey from
New York to Sans Fransico.
3.A strait is a narrow body of water connecting two larger bodies of water. Label two on your map.
Submitted by Bill DeGrazia
source: National Geographic College Atlas of the World, 2nd edition, c. 2010
Community Connections
Ecotourism is about uniting conservation, communities, and sustainable travel. It encourages an
understanding and appreciation for nature, local society, and culture. As we read about Costa Rica,
we learn that ecotourism has proved to be both positive and negative.
•As a class, make a list of those positive and negative issues that ecotourism has created in Costa Rica. Discuss some ideas that might help solve some of the challenges they are facing.
•Connecticut is a New England state that is rich in resources, communities and
culture – Ecotourism.
o Work in teams of four. With the help of today’s Courant and the Internet, create a CT tourism home page that encourages people to travel our state. List the many places that highlights the diversity of our state and gives an appreciation of the many activities
that Connecticut offers. Don’t forget those ‘hidden gems’ that may be in your hometown.
NEXT PAGE - December 20
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