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Resource Title: Science Enrichment (Week 2) | Kamehameha Schools
Organization: Kamehameha Schools
Description:

This science enrichment packet provides a set of daily, inquiry-based activities centered on kilo (observation), native Hawaiian ecosystems, plants, birds, weather, mālama ʻāina, and problem-solving. Students are instructed to choose one activity each day and work through observations, comparisons, predictions, research questions, and hands-on actions with an ʻohana member.

The packet builds on place-based science by connecting scientific practices with Hawaiian concepts such as kilo, nīnau, wānana, mālama ʻāina, and ʻāina. Activities include comparing ʻApapane and ʻIʻiwi, investigating leaf traits, tracking weather, observing environmental sounds, studying mosquito breeding habitat, and creating a plan to care for land around the home or school.

Target Audience: 3rd - 5th grade, Educators, Facilitators, K-5
Instructional Roles: Assessment, Enrichment, Main lesson, Ongoing activity
Environment: Classroom, Self-guided
Content Type: Cultural practice, Service, volunteer work, STEM investigation
Type Of Engagement: Create, Investigate, Observe, Play / Explore, Reflect, Respond / Submit
Format: Images, PDF Guide
Activity:

Place-Based Science and Mālama ʻĀina Investigations

Students choose from activities such as:

  • Conducting a Nature Micro-Hike focused on sounds.
  • Tracking and comparing daily weather patterns.
  • Comparing ʻApapane and ʻIʻiwi birds.
  • Practicing kilo, nīnau, and wānana with an observation chart.
  • Comparing two leaves and investigating how plant traits support survival.
  • Creating a Circle Map showing ways to mālama ʻāina.
  • Developing and carrying out an ʻāina-care plan with an adult.
  • Watching an ʻĀina: That Which Feeds Us video and responding through a 3-2-1 reflection.
  • Investigate mosquito breeding areas and test a solution to reduce standing water.
Topics Covered:
  • Kilo / scientific observation
  • Nīnau / questioning
  • Wānana / prediction
  • Mālama ʻāina
  • ʻĀina and relationships with place
  • Native Hawaiian birds
  • ʻApapane and ʻIʻiwi
  • Bird traits, diet, habitat, and threats
  • Plant and leaf traits
  • Plant adaptations
  • Native and invasive plants
  • Albizia and invasive-species impacts
  • Weather patterns
  • Environmental sounds
  • Ecosystems
  • Mosquitoes and native birds
  • Standing water and mosquito breeding
  • Environmental problem-solving
  • Scientific comparison and contrast
  • Research and evidence
  • Family and place-based learning

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