Fall Intercession 2021

Over the fall break, students from Hilo, Ka‘ū, and Wai‘anae joined a week-long, hybrid STEAM Camp to investigate the beaches across Hawai‘i as part of the Mahope o Ke Kula Ke A'o Mau Ana's fall intersession program.

On O'ahu, the program visited Pōka'ī Bay and learned about sand composition, observing its color, grain size, and shape. Through this investigation, they explored the geological processes that give Hawaiian sand its distinct colors.

In Kaʻū, students learned about water safety from lifeguards at Punaluʻu beach. They emphasized the importance of kilo (observation) of their environment and listening to ocean. The students practiced their kilo when looking at water levels, currents, and weather conditions.

In Hilo, students visited Honokea, Waiuli, and Punalu'u Beach. They learned about different ahupua‘a (districts) and investigated sand and its relationship to the ecosystem. They applied this knowledge by caring for loko iʻa (fish ponds) around the island.