About This Project

Nā Hana Ma Ka Ahupua‘a, Science in Hawai‘i, is a 3 year Native Hawaiian Education project funded by a US DOE grant. The curriculum offers middle and high school teachers over one year of General Science Lessons centered on the Interdependence of Natural Resources in our watersheds, the Ahupua‘a of Hawai‘i.

Evidence-based components infused into the curriculum to help all students succeed include:

differentiated instruction for general and/or special education students
hands-on activities, concrete learning, projects & field trips
interaction with role models, kupuna/elders, community members & local scientists
adapted readings appropriate to student reading levels and age
locally relevant content focused 1st on community, island & state, then linked globally
culturally responsive teaching methods & learning styles

Overview Of The Curriculum

Introductory Unit: Ahupua‘a—Watershed

Features lessons & activities focused on Lōkahi/Harmony, Diversity, Interdependence, Origins, History, Hawaiian Values, Wai/Water, Conservation & Āina/Land.

Unit I: Kai—Ocean

Features lessons & activities focused on Limu/Seaweed, Kai/Seawater, Phosphorus, Matter, pH & the Scientific Process & Method of Inquiry

Unit II: Kula—Midlands

Features lessons & activities focused on the Kumulipo/Hawaiian Evolution Chant, Darwin, Flora, Fauna, Climates, Propagation.

Unit III: Uka—Mountains

Features lessons & activities focused on Geology, Earth Day, Volcanoes, Basalt, GPS & Mapping, Stars & Navigation

Unit IV: Malama i Ka ‘Āina—Sustainability

Features lessons & activities focused on Values, Consumerism, Environmental Issues, Energy, Conservation and Our Future.

Teacher-Friendly Assessment

All curriculum materials come with multiple choice test items & templates for easy pre- and post-testing by teachers. Question banks were designed using Bloom’s taxonomy and are linked to Hawai‘i Department of Education content standards, as well as Native Hawaiian Education Council Cultural Pathways.

How & Why

These resources are intended specifically to help teachers who want to know more about Hawaiian history, culture & values, and how each relates to the sciences.

All materials were piloted from 2004 to 2006 with Grade 8-12 Hawaiian students in general and/or special education to:

improve student achievement of Hawai‘i Department of Education content standards
increase student knowledge & skills in science, math and language arts
engage students in scientific study with more relevant, interesting content
respond to the unique learning needs of Native Hawaiian and/or at-risk students

Our aim is to teach students and teachers not just about, but also through Native Hawaiian ways of knowing. In this way it is hoped each will develop a greater sense of self, place and pride.