Trans-Amazon Expedition

Team member needed for the final stage of the Trans-Amazon Expedition

2008-06-26T02:17:32Z

For the third stage of the Trans-Amazon Expedition, The Wilderness Classroom has an empty seat in a canoe. We will be traveling from Manaus, Brazil to the Atlantic Ocean from early October until the end of November 2008.

We're looking for team members who work well in a group and have the skills necessary to conduct not only a wilderness expedition, but can contribute to the Wilderness Classroom's educational programming.

Team members will be expected to cover travel expenses, which will be approximately $2,000. You have your choice of raising the money for the Wilderness Classroom or pay out of pocket.

Please fill out the application. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Dave at 312-505-9973 or Eric at 218-370-1362 after May 18, 2008. You can also email us directly at info@wildernessclassroom.com

Download the team member application!

Podcast: By Eric Frost

2008-05-19T12:43:56Z

5/19 Audio Update by Eric Frost

The Amazonian people taught us so much.

2008-05-18T23:25:56Z

We learned a lot about the plants and animals of the rainforest from the people we living in the Amazon.

The more we explore, understand, and learn about our earth, the more we learn about how lifeforms are connected. Learning about different ecosystems connects us to the natural cycles of nature and to the people who live there. Our world's survival may depend on understanding how people are connected.

While traveling through the rainforest we met so many interesting, kind, and helpful people. Even though we had difficulty communicating sometimes, people still trusted us and were very generous. They were eager to show us their traditions, foods, and lifestyle. Many parts of the Amazonian culture are very different than our own. Foods, schools, houses, daily life, games, and chores were completely new to us.

The children were happy, curious, and fun to talk with.

Since we were on an adventure, we decided to be adventurous. We asked questions to new friends all the time. We watched as they did daily activities, and then tried them ourselves. We learned new ways of doing things that we already knew how to do, like cleaning fish, cooking, and paddling. We ate food when it was offered, even if we didn't know what it was. We took chances, even if it meant being uncomfortable or doing something we considered gross. We were grateful and thanked people all of the time when people helped us. We smiled at people and laughed at ourselves when we did something embarrassing or did something the wrong way. We reminded ourselves that our way isn't the only way. And you know what? We learned a lot more than if we would have just kept to ourselves, not communicating with people just because we don't speak the same language. If we would have turned food away, just because it might be gross, people may have been offended and less likely to share their lives with us. And besides, if it's good enough for them, it's good enough for me.

During the Trans-Amazon Expedition, we've discussed how to reduce your impact on the Earth. You've suggested ways to reduce your garbage, water use, and electricity. You have developed ideas about your diets, the food choices we make, and ways to look for things that don't have much packaging. Many of you have pledged to reuse or recycle items, rather than throwing them away. The little actions you take in your daily life have a huge impact on the Earth. We hope that you'll continue to be a model of green-living, and demonstrate to your friends and families how little changes create huge results.

Many of the people we met were happy to show us how they grow and gather food. We even were able to fish for Piranha!

Today's modern culture consumes a lot. US citizens and companies use more energy any other country in the world. Fossil fuels and non-renewable natural resources are consumed at a rate faster than ever in history. But, the worst part is that most of the time, we do it without thinking about the impact of our actions.

So the Wilderness Classroom thinks that we should create a culture of conservation. We need to change our culture to one that makes decisions based on doing the right thing for the Earth and its people, plants, and animals. Many schools are already doing their part. We received responses from you pledging to have garbage-free lunch days. Many students talked about trying to start a garden at their school. Some said that they would try to visit a park without leaving an impact other than footprints. Now that's a step in the right direction. Way to go!

Life Off the Trail

2008-05-18T23:05:49Z

We are slowly transitioning from life on the river to life back in the United States.

It's really delightful to back home in the United States. We've been catching up on sleep, visiting with friends and families, and sharing stories from the Amazon. How different our lives are now than when we were on the Trans-Amazon Expedition. Waking up early every morning, the lack of electricity and running water, and paddling all day long under intense weather conditions seem almost like distant memories, even though we've only been home for two days.

It's very easy to take all of the comforts of home for granted. Tasks like washing hands, using the bathroom, turning on a light switch, and cooking a meal are simple, fast, and clean. We can travel long distances in short periods of time with a car, train, or bus. And our beds are really comfortable!

Everyday more rainforest is lost as roads are built, farms are expanded, and forest is cleared. We all need to work to save the rainforest.

Surviving on the Trans-Amazon Expedition, means you need to learn how to do everyday tasks a little differently. And once you've gone without modern conveniences for a while, you realize just how easy we have it in homes with plumbing, electricity, and climate controls (like heat or air conditioning). However all of the conveniences of modern life have a direct impact on the earth. You can make choices that can have a positive impact on the rainforests, your backyard, and the entire globe.

The next time you're getting a glass of water from the faucet think about how much water goes straight down the drain. The next time you flip on a light switch, think about if you really need all of the lights on, or even if you a need a light on at all. Ask yourself if appliances, computers, radios, and televisions need to be plugged all of the time (even if you're not using these things, if it's plugged in, it's using electricity). And above all, do you really need to use a car for each trip in your neighborhood? Could you walk or ride a bike? What about taking public transportation?

Eating less beef, and eating meat and other foods at are raised close to where we live is one way that we can help protect the rainforest.

Now that we're off the trail and back home, we spend much of our day inside. After spending the last two months entirely outside, it seems strange to be confined indoors. We've all been walking and jogging since coming home, mostly just to be outdoors. And often we'll go to a park and play a game or just sit on a bench, rather than sitting in front of the television. You don't always need a reason to go outside. Our bodies feel much better after being outdoors, and we have more energy. Being outside also lets us notice things like new flowers blooming, the phase of the moon, birds singing, what direction the wind is coming from - which were all things we noticed on the expedition, but now seem a little less important. We encourage you to make a habit of spending time outdoors every day, whether you're outside exercising your body, playing with friends, or just investigating a plant or tree up close. You might just realize that you have what it takes to become an explorer, biologist, or a lifelong nature-lover. We hope you keep exploring forever.

Week 8

2008-05-18T18:41:45Z

Early Elementary Worksheet

Late Elementary Worksheet

What did you take away from The Trans-Amazon Expedition?

2008-05-18T18:24:10Z

Phew! It's good to be home, but we already miss the rhythm of our paddles, the sounds of the rainforest, and meeting new people. We certainly learned a lot about the animals and plants of the rainforest. We learned about new cultures and lifestyles. And we spent time thinking about ways to make this a better world.

But, we want to find out what you learned from the expedition! What did you learn about the Amazon? Did you learn about a new culture or country? Did we inspire you to get outside and explore new places? What will you take away from The Trans-Amazon Expedition?

Is there anything that you will change about your lifestyle or habits to be more environmentally-friendly? What are you doing to make our planet better?

Blazing Hot Peppers

2008-05-18T13:23:06Z

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Mystery Photo

2008-05-16T12:01:39Z

If you need a hint you can use your mouse to hunt for clues in the space below!

I come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors.

I spent my early days living in the water.

Some species of my family are poisonous.

5/16/2008 Eco Tip

2008-05-16T10:07:26Z

Change the color of your home. Paint your home a light color if you live in a warm climate, or a dark color in a cold climate. This can contribute saving up to 5000 pounds of carbon dioxide per year.

Podcast by Dave Freeman

2008-05-16T09:37:28Z

5/16 Audio Update by Dave Freeman

Jaguar: Top Predator in the Rainforest

2008-05-16T06:48:46Z

People often ask us if we’re frightened of being eaten by jaguars. I generally tell that it’d be a dream come true if I saw one in the wild. Jaguars, like other cats, are very elusive and timid animals. I’m sure that many jaguars have seen the WCO team paddling by.

Jaguars have adapted well to the wet environment of the Amazon. They are very good swimmers, and unlike other cats, they actually seek out water for bathing and swimming. However, they spend most of their time on the forest floor and in small trees.

Much of the jaguar’s prey is made up of aquatic mammals, turtles, and even fish. However, the jaguar is hardly an animal that only hunts in the water. In fact, jaguars have been known to leap at their from the treetops. Imagine if you’re a deer or tapir and a 150-250 lb. cat leaps down on top of you. Try getting away from that!

The jaguar’s fur keeps it camoflagued in the jungle. Jaguars are also very strong, giving it the strength to move slowly and silently through the forest. But when a jaguar is ready to hunt, it can move extremely fast.

At one time, jaguars were some of the America’s top predators. They could be found all over South and Central America. However, they are extremely endangered. Habitat loss and over-hunting have caused the jaguar to move to only the most remote section of the Amazon basin.

For further exploration, check out these web sites.

National Geographic's Animal Facts and Photos

The Belize Zoo's Jaguar Page

The Houston Zoo's Jaguar Page

Catching Huge Catfish

2008-05-16T06:45:02Z

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What was your favorite part of the adventure?

2008-05-16T06:00:27Z

We are a little sad to be back in the United States. Our time in the Amazon has been amazing in every way. We've met so many new friends, learned so much about life in the rainforest, and spent some wonderful days paddlings canoes that we don't want it to end. Our memories will last a long time, but we want to know how you'll remember your experience as a part of the expedition. We think of you as expedition team members who are just as important as anyone on our team.

What were your favorite events or parts of the expedition? And why?
What parts of the Wilderness Classroom web site did you like most? And why?
We love hearing your feedback about what you liked. If there was something you didn't like, please let us know too so we can change it for the future.

Wednesday's Daily Dilemma about life in the city versus life on the river had some good ideas to keep us safe. Thanks for all of you who encouraged us to enjoy ourselves while here in Manaus. We've been eating lots of ice cream and sleeping in until 7:30! But don't worry, we won't get too soft staying in the city. We're looking forward to our return to the Amazon in October.

We'll also make sure to travel in groups after dark to avoid thieves and muggers. We'll always use caution when crossing big roads or driving in cars. Remembering to be safe at all times is important for all of us.

Mystery Photo

2008-05-15T11:04:50Z

If you need a hint you can use your mouse to hunt for clues in the space below!

It's all just part of the food chain.

Yum yum, what a tasty treat!

You mean there are two animals in this picture?

5/15/2008 Eco Tip

2008-05-15T10:05:48Z

Eat more vegetarian meals. Vegetarian food requires much less energy to produce. Enjoying vegetarian meals once or twice a week results in significant CO2 savings.