Dec 6, 2017 | Community
STEMworks™ Island Energy Inquiry™ (IEI), developed by Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) Women in Technology (WIT) Project, is the first clean-energy STEMworks™ (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) curriculum designed for Hawaii educators. It combines scientific inquiry and engineering design processes with cutting-edge materials and technologies for use in the classroom. IEI, offered at an exciting time in the state’s evolution in energy production and use, engages students in rigorous explorations of real island energy issues through its Lending Libraries.
“STEMworks™ IEI is updating its statewide Lending Libraries with STEM Innovation Kits designed to equip Hawaii students with the latest educational tools encouraging critical thinking and innovative play,” said Denissa Andrade, WIT Program Assistant. “The STEMworks™ program empowers elementary, middle and high school teachers on each island to be effective in their classrooms by providing teachers with technology tools, standards-aligned curriculum, professional development, access to industry professionals and ongoing support. STEMworks™ is a unique, holistic program designed to build our future generation of stewards, innovators and STEM professionals.”
STEMworks™ recently delivered over $100,000 in equipment to update IEI Lending Library campuses across the state. The updates support the statewide equipment libraries already valued at over $500,000 and include iPads, iPods, thermal imaging cameras, virtual reality headsets, energy-related K-12 reading books, energy conservation meters, wind turbine kits, solar cell kits, photovoltaic panels and multimeter kits, magnetism and motion kits, and much more. “These tools allow teachers participating in our training program to have access to a full set of lab aids designed to engage students in scientific inquiry and engineering design while learning about clean energy,” Andrade said.
Elizabeth Shigeta, IEI Lending Librarian said, “This is an exciting time for classroom teachers. IEI’s addition of literacy books and teaching tools has teachers connecting on a deeper level with their students. Additionally, students with limited background can also continually learn. Thank you MEDB!”
Since its launch in 2009, IEI has trained over 650 teachers and more than 73,000 students in Hawaii, with 90% implementation rate.
Denissa Andrade, WIT Program Assistant
Nov 29, 2017 | Education, Stemworks
The fun STEMworks™ AFTERschool Program for 2017-2018, presented by the Women in Technology (WIT) project of the Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB), is for boys and girls, grades 6, 7 and 8. The program addresses the need to stimulate interest and build professional and career skills in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education and then to apply it to real world issues. STEMworks™ hopes to nurture student interest throughout high school and post-secondary education, as well as prepare them to meet the workforce needs of their communities.
STEMworks™ AFTERschool, a free project-based STEM program, motivates students to solve community problems using high-end technologies with career readiness skills. “The curricula, including, coding and robotics, 3D printing and engineering CAD, agriculture, broadcasting and media, GIS and watershed, and more, is developed in close consultation with educators and industry partners,” said Leslie Wilkins, MEDB President and CEO. “The flexible structure of the program allows teachers to align with in-school coursework that students do during the day.”
WIT Project Manager Melinda White added, “This is more than an after-school science club! Over the past two years, students report that they have grown to become better communicators, mentors, presenters, leaders, and listeners. Students also have increased marks in academics, teamwork, and confidence. More amazingly, over 95% of participating students shared a specific STEM career that they are interested in pursuing. The program’s career exposure and practice with high-end technology tools are having true impacts on what these young people plan to become.”
Debbie Hisashima, Pukalani Elementary School teacher and STEMworks™ AFTERschool coordinator said, “Our STEMworks™ program nurtures children to become caring, capable, and contributing members of the 21st century. While students excitedly learn the technical skills needed for future STEM careers, they also develop other skills such as collaboration, adaptability, and critical thinking which are all necessary for a successful life.”
The public is invited to come and learn about the STEMworks™ program from students at Queen Kaahumanu Center, Center Court on Wednesday, December 6th, from 4:30 to 5:45 pm.
I learned that more ideas can help people see different points of view. Our goal is to invent something that benefits the world!
5th grader, Pukalani Elementary School
Nov 22, 2017 | Environment
Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) Women in Technology (WIT) Project is an initiative whose mission is to promote STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) education throughout the state with hands-on and project-based service learning. WIT’s STEMworks™ Summer Internship Program brought Maui High School student Renezel Lagran to the Maui Nui Seabird Recovery Project (MNSRP) for a mutually beneficial six-week partnership. “Lagran learned natural history and conservation through extensive field experience,” said Jay Penniman, MNSRP Project Manager. “In return, her immense talent and technical ability gave us valuable video production and file organization.”
Penniman continued, “This was the perfect opportunity for Lagran to learn directly from wildlife experts, not only to make her more aware about different STEM careers but also to teach her to become a steward of our islands. STEMworks™ gives us hope for our planetary future when we see women like her take their engineering and technical education forward to embrace our seabird community. Our efforts to restore our struggling native resources will only benefit from the engagement of stellar youth such as Lagran and opportunities provided by programs like WIT’s STEMworks™.”
Lagran noted, “Before MNSRP, the significance of seabirds did not cross my mind. Now, after six incredible weeks of internship with the company, I am aware of the urgency for their survival. Not only do seabirds possess cultural significance, they also provide key ingredients needed to preserve the world’s ecosystem. It’s now my personal mission to inform the community about these facts and what we can do to support their existence.
Besides bringing new and profound information, Lagran’s experience with MNSRP was also fun. “Between the vital teachings were unforgettable memories that I will forever cherish,” she said. “I was able to use field instruments, hike the steep slopes of Haleakala and most importantly, gain life-long connections. My mentors and I have already discussed a future partnership beyond the internship program. To say that I am excited is an understatement.”
My mentors taught me how to use conservation equipment such as the song meter, infrared cameras, and night vision goggles which helped me create public service announcement videos about downed native seabirds. Thank you MEDB and MNSRP for this experience!
Renezel Lagran, STEMworks™ Summer Intern
Nov 15, 2017 | Community
As the season of Thanksgiving approaches, it seems fitting that we highlight an all-volunteer community project that benefits keiki and their families. About a year ago, Ali Dauler, founder and manager of the Keiki Klothing Exchange-Kihei (KKEK), instigated the free clothing exchange program here on Maui. KKEK started small. It was held at a Kihei community park along with Dauler’s bootcamp workout for moms. “We would exercise and then swap the clothes we brought,” Dauler said. “Subsequently, as I noticed KKEK’s growth, I knew it was time for the next step. I spoke to my church officials about using their site. Once everything was approved, we had a home at Kihei Lutheran Church, a perfect location for KKEK.” There is a full playground and ample parking, restrooms with changing tables, and a beautiful lanai for the exchange. “I needed more help, women to support and be a part of my project,” she noted. “Luna Amezcua gave a huge amount of time and assistance and became my KKEK partner. Additionally, we have a dream team of helpful women volunteers.”
Dauler’s mission has always been to reach out to as many families as possible. “As moms, Amezcua and I knew the importance of coming together as a community, as a support system,” Dauler said. “Now that KKEK has grown, we want everyone to know that although this is a fabulous recourse for families in need, it’s also for anyone and everyone.”
The free clothing exchange is held on the first Saturday of every month, 9am to 11am, at Kihei Lutheran Church. All the leftover merchandise is delivered to numerous charities, including Women Helping Women, Imua, shelters, and various churches. “We accept toys, books, shoes, and all baby items,” said Dauler. “Everything is sorted beforehand by our amazing volunteers to ensure there are no rips or stains, and that all the toys are in working condition. Our standards are high and our hearts are full. Let’s face it, kids grow, and clothes don’t. I always say, ‘Bring what you can, and take what you need!’”
We appreciate all the community support and all the donations for our free clothing exchange.
Ali Dauler, Keiki Klothing Founder and Manager
Nov 8, 2017 | Environment, Sustainability
Maui Green & Beautiful (MG&B) is an environmental non-profit that cares for the ‘Ᾱina through preservation, protection, and education. Originally known as the Maui Outdoor Circle, in 2014 it reorganized as MG&B. “Our education curriculum includes proper care and pruning, benefits of trees, protecting our healthy mature trees and teaching the value of trees,” said Elaine Malina, MG&B president. “We have created bridges with, and have earned respect from, the landscape and tree professionals in our community. Some of our recent tree plantings include jacaranda trees along Haleakala Highway with the Eagle Scouts, trees planted in Keopuolani Park in Kahului with the Maui County Arborist Committee, and much more.”
Malina’s love of trees began with a black walnut tree in her childhood backyard in the Chicago suburbs. Her parents used to take her to botanical gardens which evolved into her receiving a degree in Ornamental Horticulture. “I became an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist in 1997 and graduated from the University of Hawaii College Foundation Agricultural Leadership Training Program in 2002.”
MG&B is celebrating Arbor Month with two special events in November. A Kaulunani Grant is allowing them to bring the TreeCircus, an educational tree event, to four Maui schools. “The TreeCircus show lasts almost an hour with non-stop energy and student participation,” Malina said. “The grant is also allowing us to purchase educational material that we will donate to each participating school.”
The 7th Annual Malama the Trees Free Educational Workshop will be held on November 11th. This year, MG&B is honoring the Maui County Exceptional Trees of Wailuku. The event begins at 9am in front of the County Building with an hour-long presentation about tree topics including the Maui County Planting Plan. “We will also discuss tree infrastructure, tree biology, tree planting, and other issues,” said Malina. “After the hour presentation, we will break into small groups with a certified arborist to guide us through Wailuku. We will finish at Kaahumanu Church’s exceptional tree at 12 noon. For more information visit: mauibeautiful.org.
We need trees to breathe. Trees remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen through a process called photosynthesis. Trees are cool.
Elaine Melina, President, Maui Green & Beautiful
