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The Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation
Program and the Education Department at the University of Hawaii, Manoa,
received a National Science Foundation grant to bring University researchers into K-12 classrooms
around the islands. While there is often a large gap between current scientific research
and grade-school science curricula, this program provides a direct link between science practitioners and
K-12 students. The Shearwater Project is a partnership between Aaron Hebshi, a graduate student studying Hawaiian seabirds, and 5 teachers at 3
schools on Kaua'i: Waimea High, Kapa'a Middle, and Island School. We are
conducting original ecological studies at Wedge-tailed Shearwater colonies
around the island. Each school monitors one or two shearwater colonies by
measuring reproductive success and taking chick weights from a sample nests. In addition, students
develop simple research questions which they can answer using the scientific
method. We do a combination of in-class and in-the-field exercises, always
trying to engage the students with hands-on activities. Each teacher tailors the
project to his or her liking - whether it means participating in the project
during after school hours, or bringing other areas of focus into the project,
such as art and Hawaiian studies. This project benefits the shearwater colonies
as well, since many of them are unprotected and unmonitored. The students can
take note of predator or human disturbance to the colonies and report these
disturbances to state biologists. If you are a teacher and would like to
participate, please contact Aaron at hebshi@hawaii.edu or (808) 294-3052. |
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