Aloha Nature Study Ohana!  Here is a recap of our exciting Week 1:

• Mon., June 18- The students were introduced to each other when we did an ice breaker. It's so great that we have students from many different schools and from all over the island. We are also fortunate to have Arielle joining us from San Francisco! We then found out about all the field trips and activities that are planned for the summer and what we will be studying. After recess, we went on a Scavenger Hunt and the students had a list of items from nature that they diligently looked for on the playground. They were surprised that there were so many signs of nature all around us!

• Tues., June 19- We began our study of ahupua'a which is our overall theme for the summer. We will begin our study concentrating on the mountains, then move toward the land and sea. The students will learn how the Hawaiians used the rich resources in each of these habitats and how the communities were organized. We are designing and creating large posters of an ahupua'a. The children are doing a great job imagining what an ahupua'a really looked like!

          Gardening is so much fun. Together with the afternoon Nature Study class, we planted a garden with
          herbs and Manoa lettuce. Hopefully we will be able to harvest our plants at the end of summer and
          make a healthy salad! We also planted Nasturtium (edible flowers) in our individual pots that will be
         sent home at the end of summer. We can hardly wait to taste them!

• Wed., June 20- What an exhilarating experience to hike into the ahupua'a of Hakipu'u! We enjoyed hearing the mo'olelo (stories) of old Hawaii and learning about canoe plants.Our guide, Uncle Logan, taught us about the history of Kualoa and all the special plants that grow there. When we got to the special lookout point affectionately called Aunty Hattie's Place, we heard mo'olelo about Kualoa from Kumu Ian Masterson. We now have a deeper understanding and respect for the ancestors who lived in Hawaii long ago.

• Thurs., June 21- Did you see the great photos that Mr. Pat took of our worm composting workshop? It's fun to see so many brave children touching and examining the worms! Ms. Cathy brought some fat, slimy earthworms and a big ball of compost worms! We learned about the difference between earthworms and composting worms and got to touch both kinds. We then helped prepare the worm bed with torn newspaper, added food scraps, then put the worms in their special home. We will care for them for the next 4 weeks. If you are interested in having your child bring home a starter set of worms, please let me know.

• Fri., June 22- Lyon Arboretum was a beautiful. peaceful place. We hiked into the mountains and learned about the interesting plants that grow there. We even got to sample mountain apple and a sour fruit related to starfruit right off the tree. Yum! We also hunted for invertebrates, went birdwatching, and explored the streams. It was interesting to see another ahupua'a and we'll discuss how this ahupua'a compares to Hakipu'u. 

Reminders for next week:

Please check your calendars for what you need to bring!

• Mon., June 25- Addition: We will be going on a walking tour of the K-1 Omidyar campus. Kumu Tai Crouch will show us the many native plants and sustainable features of that special place. Please wear shoes for the walk. We will also be going to the Lily Pond on campus. The children will hear the legend of Ka Punahou and get to catch fish in the pond.
• Tues., June 26- Manoa Falls: Be prepared for mud and maybe rain! It will be a challenging adventure!
• Wed., June 27- Kanewai Lo'i- Be prepared for more mud! The children will be going into the lo'i and will help care for the kalo.
• Thur., June 28- Poi Pounding. We will learn how to make pa'iai from a master poi pounder!
• Fri, June 29- Kawainui Marsh and Ulupo Heiau: We will be going on a walking tour and do a service project.

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments. Enjoy the photos!