HGCI Fall 2015 Session: Look to the Limu

Hawai'i Green Collar Institute Fall 2015 Session: Look to the Limu for Students and Teachers

Keawanui Fishpond Moloka'i

October 4-6, 2015

We ran our first ever HGCI session on the beautiful island of Moloka'i based at Keawanui Fishpond and it was truly unforgettable! Our 3-day workshop combined both teachers and students representing 3 different islands (O'ahu, Lāna'i, and Moloka'i) making it a very unique learning experience for all. Throughout the 3 days, program participants were immersed in a variety of activities, which included a hike in the Ka'amola ahupua'a to view and learn about the watershed and fishpond from a mauka perspective; we explored the Keawanui fishpond from within discussing native and invasive limu, fish production, and key features of the wall; and heard from respected community leaders such as Stephanie Dunbar, uncle Mac Poepoe, uncle Walter Ritte, and aunty Penny Martin regarding topics of aloha 'āina. We also took an impromptu trip to Hālawa valley and learned about some of the legendary mo'olelo of Moloka'i. This workshop was inspired and is dedicated to the late Uncle Henry Chang Wo who so generously shared his love and knowledge of limu with communities across Hawai'i. Mahalo nui loa to our generous sponsor, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Education and Training Mini-Grant program for providing funding to run this workshop as well as our program partners, For 'Ewa Pono and the Hawai'i State Teachers Association! We also want to send out a special mahalo to Hui o Kuapā for coordinating the speakers and site activities and providing a wonderful space to work and learn alongside each other!

HGCI Course: Being Good Neighbors - The Monk Seal Story

Hawai'i Green Collar Institute Course on Being Good Neighbors - The Monk Seal Story for Leeward O'ahu Teachers

June 22 & September 12, 2015

We are excited to offer a new course just for teachers to explore the Hawaiian marine environment. This course will give K-12 teachers the opportunity to learn first-hand from scientists and resource managers working with the endangered Hawaiian monk seal and other marine creatures about problems and issues being studied and solutions in which their students could be engaged. Teachers will become familiar with many resources available to them to design STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) lessons that will match their course objectives that are aligned with Common Core State Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and General Learner Outcomes. The course will be based at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) Inouye Regional Center on Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, and will include a tour of its facilities and programs. This state-of-the-art center is available for tours to schools, providing students with opportunities to pursue follow-up field trips, volunteer programs and internships that will prepare them for college and career-readiness. 

HGCI Course for Teachers on Exploring the Mālama 'Āina Field School

Hawai'i Green Collar Institute Course on Exploring the Mālama 'Āina Field School for Leeward O'ahu Teachers

March 28, July 17, 2015 + 2 dates in June and July

Leeward O‘ahu teachers, we have an exciting and new professional development opportunity for you! This course will explore the techniques and strategies behind the Mālama ‘Āina Field School at Nānākuli, a program we have been conducting for the past two years. The curriculum spanning mauka to makai engages students in team-based and hands-on activities that inspire investigation and learning, as well as self and community pride. It also integrates real world learning as students visit sites both in their communities and outside, guided by environmental and cultural professionals. Mahalo to the Kamehameha Schools Ka Pua Initiative and Hawai‘i State Teachers Association for supporting this course.

HGCI Spring 2015 Session for Students

Hawai'i Green Collar Institute Spring 2015 Session on Ocean Conservation & Careers for Leeward O'ahu High School Students

March 16-20, 2015

Mahalo to all who participated in this HGCI program be they students, speakers, site hosts, scientists, and resource managers. We had a great week with 18 bright and inspiring students from Wai‘anae to Waipahu. They had a full week of activities including hiking the Palikea trail to better understand the ahupua‘a and watershed, hiking to Ka‘ena point to see a healthy coastal ecosystem, fishing in Nānākuli using pono practices, helping to restore an ancient Hawaiian fishpond, visiting NOAA’s Inouye Regional Center, and checking out Leeward Community College’s student programs. This session of HGCI was conducted by Mālama Learning Center in partnership with Leeward Community College Hālau ‘Ike O Pu‘uloa. Funding is provided generously by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration under the Marine Education and Training Mini-Grant Program.