School: Kamaile Academy Public Charter School
Grade Level: Grades 6-12
Teacher: Elvin Bell and Tamara Simmons
Driving Question: How can we incorporate Hawaiian culture while navigating scholars to achieve academic success and explore the various aspects of science research and methodology.
What did the students DO?
This inquisitive group of haumāna has been immersed in hands-on scientific exploration, learning both the tools and practices of real-world scientists. From microscope slide preparation to dissections and model-building, students are developing critical thinking, observation skills, and curiosity about the natural world. Their learning has also extended beyond the classroom with huakaʻi to college campuses and science-focused community events. With each lab and lesson, these students are growing into thoughtful observers, analysts, and explorers of their world.
- Learning the Tools and Language of Science: Students have been introduced to the essential tools used by scientists, including microscopes, forceps, scalpels, and safety gear. They’ve practiced proper handling, usage, and care, while also learning how to use scientific terminology to communicate their observations and findings.
- Microscope Slide Preparation and Observation: Students prepared their own slides using vegetables like onion and garlic to observe mitosis and meiosis under the microscope. They learned to stain slides and document microscopic activity through scientific drawings and notes.
- Animal Dissections for Anatomy Study: In a memorable set of labs, students dissected frogs, fetal pigs, and even cats. They worked in small groups or independently to identify organs, understand internal systems, and explore how these parts function in living organisms. Dissections were a major highlight—and surprisingly, many of the girls proved to be the bravest in the lab!
- Biome Model Creation and Scientific Creativity: Students studied marine and terrestrial biomes, then created 3D models to show how organisms interact within their environments. These projects reinforced ecological thinking, systems understanding, and creativity.
- STEM Challenge: Escape Room with Math & Science Riddles: In an exciting fusion of storytelling, logic, and science, students designed a Lion King-themed escape room using math and science riddles. This challenge integrated problem-solving, teamwork, and content mastery in a fun and engaging way.
- College and Career Exploration at HCC: Students visited Honolulu Community College to explore future career pathways. They got hands-on experience in fields like cosmetology, fashion, firefighting, early childhood education, and public speaking—inspiring them to imagine their life beyond PALS and high school.
- Science in the Community: Field Trips to UHWO & Bishop Museum: Kumu ensured students had multiple opportunities to see science in action beyond the classroom. They attended Ellison Onizuka Science Day at UH West Oʻahu and visited the Bishop Museum to connect their learning with Hawaiian science, astronomy, and innovation.
- Fun Labs to Spark Curiosity: Alongside academic labs, students participated in fun, chemistry-based activities like making slime using household ingredients—a creative way to demonstrate states of matter, polymers, and safe experimentation.
This science-focused group has developed a solid foundation in lab skills, scientific observation, and creative problem-solving. Through dissections, model-building, field trips, and engaging labs, students are learning that science is not only in textbooks — it’s alive in the world around them. Their curiosity, critical thinking, and hands-on experience empower them to see themselves as future scientists, engineers, educators, and innovators. By blending traditional classroom learning with real-world application, this group is shaping the next generation of thinkers and doers in Hawaiʻi.
