School: Nānāikapono Elementary School
Grade Level: Grades 4-6
Teacher: Cece Miyagawa and Ryan Winslow
Driving Question: How do we as stewards of our community use available resources to be more efficient and sustainable so our community can thrive without waste?
What did the students DO?
This group actively engaged in both culinary and sewing projects, developing their skills through hands-on learning. They explored food preparation techniques and sewing practices, working together to create items for their families and community. Their efforts culminated in a successful “Mini Makeke Market,” where they showcased and sold their handmade goods.
- Herb Salt Creation: The students watched and followed Aunty Terris’ “Make-It-Monday” herb salt video, each making a mason jar of herb salt to share with their ʻohana and the school staff.
- Knife Skills with Chef Lester: Chef Lester visited the group and taught professional knife skills, which the students applied to create their own fruit platters.
- Freeze-Drying Experiments: They experimented with freeze-drying fruits and vegetables, mixing flavors like lemon with li hing and apples with cinnamon, while practicing their knife techniques.
- Garden Collaboration: The group collaborated with the Guardians of the Garden to harvest fresh herbs for making salsa and dehydrated apples.
- Sewing Preparation: Students practiced measuring and hand-sewing as preparation for sewing machine use, further fueled by donations of machines and fabric that increased excitement.
- Sewing Projects: They began sewing neck pillows and fabric items such as water bottle covers, showing growth in their sewing abilities.
- Mini Makeke Market: The students hosted their first “Mini Makeke Market,” successfully raising $371 through donations by selling their culinary and sewn products.
This program empowered students through experiential learning in culinary arts and sewing, blending creativity with practical skill development. It fostered teamwork, entrepreneurship, and a sense of pride as students shared their creations with the community. The “Mini Makeke Market” served as a vibrant platform for students to demonstrate their talents and understand the value of collaboration and resourcefulness within their ‘ohana and beyond.
