Jul 4, 2018 | Education, Stemworks
On Saturday, August 25, 2018, Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) will hold their annual Ke Alahele Education Fund Benefit Dinner & Auction, I ♥ STEM, at the Grand Wailea Resort to celebrate the STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) achievements of students in Maui County and statewide. “The Ke Alahele funds provide state-of-the-art technology tools for our students and training for our teachers, investments that will make a difference in the lives of our residents and our community,” said Leslie Wilkins, MEDB President and CEO. “MEDB partners with the private, public and nonprofit sectors to reach its goal of helping the next generation soar into the future.”
MEDB recently announced that recipients received Ke Alahele Education Fund STEM grants totaling more than $142,000 during the 2017-2018 school year. The Ke Alahele event celebrates the Fund’s impressive giving which enhances education and training. MEDB will also present the Daniel K. Inouye (DKI) Innovation Award honoring the late Senator who inspired our youth and provided STEM opportunities throughout Hawaii.
“The DKI awards are presented to a Maui County student or team that demonstrates the most innovative use of STEM tools to improve our community,” Wilkins explained. “Students select a societal issue and then, by using sophisticated technology and possibly inventing their own tools, they create a real solution to address the community challenge.”
Agreeing, Curtis Tom, Maui County Senior Vice President Bank of Hawaii and Chair of the MEDB Education Fund, said, “Jobs today and in the future depend on the preparation of our students in critical thinking, problem solving, communication, collaboration, and creativity—all skills nurtured by STEM education. Those who support the MEDB Ke Alahele Fund through our annual fundraiser are helping to make this investment in our state’s future workforce.”
This year’s popular “Apples for Education” Silent and Live Auctions offers a great opportunity for donors to showcase their products and services to the 550+ guests, and for both donors and guests to contribute to a great cause! For more information call (808) 875-2300 or email cari@medb.org.
The MEDB Ke Alahele Education Fund Benefit Dinner & Auction will begin at 4:30 pm, followed by Dinner and Live Auction at 6 pm. Please join us!
Leslie Wilkins, MEDB President & CEO
Jun 20, 2018 | Education, Innovation, Stemworks
Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) Women in Technology Program (WIT) recently presented their 2nd Introduce a Girl to Astronomy Day (IGAD) for Maui girls, grades 7-8. For the past decade, MEDB and WIT have been at the forefront of providing cutting-edge STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) programs across the state to meet 21st century workforce demands. “IGAD stimulates girls’ interest in astronomy as a viable and exciting career choice that requires STEM education,” said WIT Project Manager Mapu Quitazol. “It’s important to expose our girls to endless STEM opportunities and build their confidence level to know they can achieve their dreams.”
Dr. J. D. Armstrong, Maui Technology Education and Outreach Specialist at University of Hawaii’s Institute for Astronomy, agreed, “It is important to develop future leaders in our planning for Maui’s future. For example, during IGAD the students learned about the Faulkes Telescope North, a two-meter-aperture telescope that can be accessed over the internet by any students in Hawaii and globally for their science projects. Owned and operated by Las Cumbres Observatory, this unique worldwide network of robotic telescopes engages students in real science via their computers. They become active participants in a range of astronomical research projects, from observations of the solar system to distant stars and galaxies.”
Krystle Dunn, science teacher from Lahaina Intermediate, said, “I was impressed by the variety of information that students got to take in: astronomy, satellites, telescopes and hands-on activities with sensors. One of my students learned that being a part of the Air Force doesn’t always mean you have to be in combat–you can be involved through technology and other STEM fields. Many students made connections that might directly impact their future decisions.”
Jaycie Iha, Maui Waena Intermediate student, concluded, “I’m so grateful to MEDB and WIT for this chance to learn more about astronomy and engineering. IGAD was such an extraordinary and valuable experience. After visiting the observatories, I see there are opportunities for girls on Maui to reach for the stars!”
Seventy-five middle school girls from Maui County enjoyed learning about optics by touring the Maui Surveillance Space System facilities atop Haleakala.
Mapu Quitazol, MEDB WIT Program Director
May 16, 2018 | Education, Innovation, Stemworks
The Maunakea Scholars program, launched in 2015, created an official partnership between the Hawai’i State Department of Education (DOE), the University of Hawai’i, and Maunakea Observatories. Designed to bring Hawai’i’s high school students into one of the world’s most advanced observatory communities, the program’s third group of student astronomers are working with 10 participating international telescopes. Contributing to an innovative STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) curriculum, the Maunakea Scholars provide amazing opportunities to the next generation.
The program pairs a professional astronomy mentor with students in each participating school to coach them through the process of interpreting astronomy data and crafting an original research application. The proposals are submitted to a time-allocation community for consideration, and projects are awarded highly valuable time on participating telescopes, based on the viability of the proposals.
“King Kekaulike is the first Maui school to participate in the Maunakea Scholars program,” said Emily Haines-Swatek, King Kekaulike High School MEDB STEMworks™ AFTERschool teacher. “STEMworks™ students submitted proposals to receive telescope time to conduct real research on an astronomical study of their choice. The Maunakea Scholars program partners with schools to provide observation time and summit tours. Twenty-two King Kekaulike students submitted proposals and seven students were granted telescope time during an awards ceremony on February 14th.” The King Kekaulike Maunakea Scholars and their projects are: Quinton Uradomo on Dark Matter; Janine Harris on Cepheid Magnitude Periods; Quentin Beamer on White Dwarf Formation Temperatures; Ryan Siarot and Thorren Rebiguo on Observing Asteroid Colors to Determine Composition; and Caroline Stevenson and Kayla Wholers on Deep into the Storm. The latter was awarded time on two telescopes, Las Cumbres and Canada-France-Hawai’i Telescope (CFHT).
Haines-Swatek became involved with the Maunakea Scholars after meeting with DOE and CFHT representatives at the 2017 Hawaii STEM Conference. “Because of the proximity to the Institute for Astronomy and the STEMworks™ electives taught at King Kekaulike, we make a perfect fit for the program,” she said. “The project stretched my student’s understanding of astronomy and pushed them to dream of something much larger than themselves. They are looking forward to conducting their research!”
Throughout the year, the Maunakea Scholars program supports each classroom with educational resources, including an integrated indigenous Hawaiian perspective on modern science education, led by ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai’i.
Emily Haines-Swatek, King Kekaulike High School, MEDB STEMworks™ AFTERschool Teacher
Apr 4, 2018 | Education, Stemworks
Maui Economic Development Board’s Women in Technology (WIT) STEMworks™ AFTERschool program is pleased to announce the 2018 Hawaii STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) Conference on April 10-11, 2018 at the Hawaii Convention Center on Oahu. This two-day regional technology conference serves over 1000 middle and high school students and 300 teachers. “The students are part of our STEMworks™ labs that are in twenty-nine schools across the state of Hawaii,” said Mapu Quitazol, WIT Program Manager. “The Conference provides our STEMworks™ students the opportunity to showcase their service-learning STEM projects, network with other students and industry professionals, compete with other students, attend hands-on sessions, and much more.”
The conference also provides students and teachers the opportunity to receive training in cutting-edge software tools and be exposed to new STEM fields and career opportunities. Past conference breakout sessions include: Photoshop, After Effects, Gaming, Coding, Engineering Design using CAD, Voyaging, GIS/GPS, Mapping UAV’s, Conservation, and Photography.
Recently, Randy Schaffer and Justin Brown, owners of Makai Glass in Haliimaile, hosted a fundraising event for Lokelani Intermediate School students from Kihei, to attend the STEM Conference. “We are happy to support the keiki in such a worthwhile cause,” Schaffer and Brown agreed. “They are our future.” The event featured local musician Marty Dread who also supports the program. “STEMworks™ is focused on engaging middle school students in subjects and projects that help inspire the next generation of professionals,” said Dread. “I strongly support education in the Maui community.”
Karen Wright, Lokelani 8th grade science teacher and STEMworks™ Site Coordinator added, “Our AFTERschool program has grown to over 200 students that attend frequently. WIT supports the classes with technology supplies, trainings, field trips, and hiring staff to teach the daily lessons. During the STEM Conference, our students will explore future careers by meeting and learning from local industry and university leaders.”
Kimara Alger, Lokelani 8th grader, says STEMworks™ has expanded her knowledge about career opportunities. “It was so exciting to see women involved in glassblowing at Makai,” she said. “WIT has opened so many possibilities for girls!”
It was such an exciting fundraiser! Mahalo to Makai Glass, Marty Dread and everyone who supported our goal of taking 12-15 students to the Hawaii STEM Conference. We did it! We’re going!
Kimara Alger, Lokelani Intermediate School 8th Grade
Jan 31, 2018 | Environment, Innovation, Stemworks
The University of Hawaii (UH) Educational Outreach Team and Maui Economic Development Board have long shared common goals for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education. Recently, UH-Manoa Physics Department hosted a group of three Maui High School students, Mary Chin, OneJae Lee, and Zain Jabber, at a Maui workshop to present their summer research findings on the effect of cosmic rays on Mars colonization. With the help of their project mentors, Dr. Veronica Bindi, UH-Manoa associate physics professor, Dr. J. D. Armstrong, UH Institute for Astronomy (IfA), and their Maui High science teacher, Keith Imada, the students investigated possible correlations between galactic cosmic rays and solar activity to determine the amount of radiation astronauts would encounter enroute to Mars and living there.
“Space radiation represents the major obstacle to manned missions to Mars,” said Bindi, who gave a presentation to Maui High students entitled, ‘When is the best time to go to Mars?’ “Radiation damages the DNA of the astronauts in irreversible ways. We are working with NASA to assess the amount of radiation astronauts would be exposed to, how to mitigate it using special shields, and the viability of food production on Mars.”
Mary Chin’s project was focused on the study of cosmic rays, building a low-cost muon detector and developing the software to operate it. Another student, OneJae Lee, designed and built his own hydroponic system to test the effects of space radiation on food plants. “Although it is difficult to replicate galactic cosmic rays in a laboratory, it is possible to test other high-energy radiation,” Lee explained. “I found many challenges to having the plants survive even with lower-energy ultraviolet-C rays.”
Zain Jabbar researched coronal holes caused by interacting magnetic fields on the sun and whether they are related to sunspot activity. “I looked for a connection to the solar cycle, comparing conditions when the sun is very active and when it is much less active. Greater solar activity can result in electrical grid blackouts around the world.”
I mimicked conditions on Mars using ultraviolet-C rays to study whether the light present on Mars could be used for plant growth without special filters.
OneJae Lee, Maui High School
Jan 3, 2018 | Education, Stemworks
Maui Economic Development Board’s Women in Technology (WIT) Project recently showcased the STEMworks™ AFTERschool program at Queen Ka’ahumanu Center. Students from participating Maui County schools, Pukalani Elementary, Maui Waena Intermediate, Lahaina Intermediate, Lokelani Intermediate, and St. Anthony School presented demonstrations with enthusiasm and proficiency. “STEMworks™ is a multifaceted, hands-on program where students get to use the most current, high-end technologies in actual learning projects,” said Isla Young, WIT Program Director of STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics), Education and Workforce Development. “It hopes to prepare students throughout their high school and post-secondary education to meet the 21st century STEM needs of their communities.”
Jennifer Suzuki, Maui Waena Intermediate STEMworks™ AFTERschool technology advisor said, “Our program has over 150 6th-8th grade students enrolled. Students participate in a variety of activities with a group of talented mentors to guide them through the different offerings such as the finer points of video editing, motion graphics, and 3D printing. They also learn how to build and program robots and drones.”
Maui Waena 8th grade Robotic Build Captain Renzo Gaoiran said, “It’s so exciting to work with my team on the building issues. We have to figure out what design would be best and work out problems such as what drives, lifts and accessories to use.” Program Captain Emily Tom, 8th grade, explained, “My job is to teach others how to make the robot do simple actions like go forward, turn, go backward, etc. Our team works together on codes to operate the robot and ways to solve the errors.”
STEMworks™ Instructor Jared Nagura’s students are working on their final semester projects at Pukalani Elementary School. “One team is using a scientific method to test the difference in conductivity between water and salt-water with Snap Circuits,” he noted. “Another team is using the engineering design process to build a motorized ferris wheel out of Kinects. The WIT STEMworks™ AFTERschool program is the ideal organizer to reinforce fundamental mathematics and scientific processes. It gives students the opportunity to apply skills they have learned and share them with others.”
The STEMworks™ AFTERschool program builds confidence. We learn to solve problems and are challenged to gain teamwork skills. Thanks, MEDB and WIT, for supporting the students!
Emily Tom, Maui Waena 8th grade Robotics Program Captain
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
Oct 11, 2017 | Education, Stemworks
Graham DeVey recently retired from Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) where he worked as a program manager for their Women in Technology (WIT) Island Energy Inquiry™ (IEI) project since 2012. IEI is a professional development program for Hawaii STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) teachers to engage in rigorous explorations of real energy issues in our islands.
“IEI uses research-based techniques to guide teachers through the inquiry-learning process,” DeVey explained. “The curriculum is based on renewable energies prevalent in Hawaii, including solar water heating, solar photovoltaics, wind energy, geothermal, ocean thermal energy conversion, biofuels, and energy conservation and efficiency audit. In the workshops, teachers practice labs and activities using the latest Hawaii standards and energy data while learning how to implement this training in the classroom.”
Working with other IEI staffers from WIT, DeVey has trained 495 teachers during 38 workshops, representing 42,000 students of Hawaii statewide. “I’ve been very fortunate that our WIT courses attracted some of the best teachers in the state, and we’ve received ongoing praise from our teachers, who acknowledge that IEI has re-awakened their love of teaching,” DeVey noted. “Online webinars present teachers with the opportunity to share lessons learned and write reflections for their professional development credits.”
Julia Davison, Pukalani Elementary School teacher said, “The IEI program offers a great opportunity for teachers and students to learn more about sustainable energy use. It provides problem-solving and collaboration for designing an energy-sustainable future for Hawaii. This powerful inquiry-based instruction will help my students be successful in science, other academic subjects, and in their daily lives.”
DeVey came to MEDB with an impressive resume. He served as a Navy commander flying the P-3C Orion patrol plane. Later, he became Director of Engineering for Carrier Corporation’s Asia Pacific Division and Vice President of their Corporate Technology Planning Division in Syracuse, New York. After receiving an inner call to help young American students consider and qualify for careers in science and engineering, DeVey earned a Master of Arts in teaching and taught physics at Baldwin High School for 17 years.
DeVey’s goal was to make science fun for STEM teachers and their students. Most of all he was a great colleague and support.
Mapu Quitazol, MEDB WIT Program Manager
Sep 27, 2017 | Education, Stemworks
This summer, The Maui Farm staff participated as mentors in Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) Women in Technology (WIT) STEMworks™ Summer Internship Program. Maui Farm, a nonprofit organization, has been offering an array of farm-based educational programs to the Maui community since 1993. “Our site is a wonderful opportunity for young students to learn the nuts and bolts of sustainable farming,” said Maria Leon, Maui Farm program assistant. “Our intern, Dian Taroma, a Maui High School junior, was able to practice sustainable farming techniques such as animal husbandry, natural pest control, plant nursery work and more.”
With Taroma’s help, in six short weeks Maui Farm reestablished their crop fields that had gone fallow. Together they dug and shaped vegetable beds, conditioned the soil with compost and amendments, sowed vegetable seeds, fertilized, and harvested healthy, organic foods. Taroma was part of the seed-to-harvest process. She also helped welcome 3 baby goats and 9 baby piglets into the world.
“On her first day, Taroma was very timid and unsure around the animals,” Leon explained. “After two-weeks of animal husbandry training she was handling these animals like a pro! She was responsible for feeding pigs, goats, chickens, and bunnies daily, cleaning their pens, and even helped to give shots and sterilize umbilical stumps on our newborns. Taroma mentioned she would be interested in becoming a veterinarian because of her experience at The Maui Farm.”
Taroma noted, “I performed routine farm maintenance and all tasks necessary to maintain a two-acre educational farm environment. As a versatile team player, I did physical labor while learning good communication skills with people along with knowledge of animal husbandry. I am grateful to the STEMworks™ program for the chance to understand the effort it takes to provide the community with healthy food. Knowledge of sustainable agriculture practices, organic farming, and permaculture design are important subjects for all Maui County residents to understand.”
MEDB’s STEMworks™ Summer Internship program is an incredibly valuable resource for our youth, especially as our island is growing and working towards becoming sustainable.
Maria Leon, Program Assistant, The Maui Farm
