School: Wai’anae Elementary School
Grade Level: Grades 5-6
Teacher: Donna Soriano
Driving Question: How can we inspire the innovator within ourselves to design and create pieces that will promote and share our culture?
What did the students DO?
The Seahorse Design team has embraced a new cohort, focused on cultural exploration, and taken responsibility for reopening and managing the school store, all while continuing to create unique, handmade items to stock the shelves.
- Leadership & Team Growth: This team welcomed two returning students as leaders and four new members to the team. Returning haumāna stepped into mentorship roles, guiding new members and fostering a collaborative learning environment.
- Handmade Creations & ʻOhana Night Showcase: This small but mighty group showcased various handmade items—candles made from recycled coconut shells, 3D keychains, woodcraft nameplates, and stickers—at ʻOhana Night. These creations reflected both creativity and cultural inspiration, connecting design work to Hawaiian values and traditions.
- Cultural Exploration & Inspiration: This hui visited Hawaiʻi Plantation Village to explore the ethnic and cultural heritage of Hawaiʻi. This experience inspired new design projects rooted in the diverse stories and traditions of the islands.
- School Store Operations: These students were very excited to accept the principal’s challenge to accommodate younger students in the school store. They opened and operated the store twice a week after school, managing inventory and customer service with care and professionalism so everyone could have an opportunity to shop.
- Communication & Inventory Expansion: This very creative group created a video to inform the school of the new store schedule. They added 3D characters, stickers, candles, and board games to the inventory, expanding offerings for the school community.
- Material Exploration & Design Innovation: These students focused on using a variety of materials—wood, acrylic, clay, resin, paper, and 3D printing—to stock the WES Seahorse School Store. This hands-on approach encouraged experimentation, craftsmanship, and pride in their work.
The Seahorse Design Lab PALS group has empowered students to take on leadership roles and contribute meaningfully to their school community through the management of the school store. By integrating cultural exploration into their design work, students have deepened their understanding of heritage while developing practical skills in crafting, entrepreneurship, and team collaboration. The diverse use of materials and creative projects has fostered innovation, responsibility, and a strong sense of community ownership among the participants.
