Under the guidance and mentorship of teacher John Hughes, students at Wailuku Elementary School are developing a sharp sense of inquiry and staying excited and engaged thanks to what they are learning during astronomy and engineering activities. Mr. Hughes and Wailuku Elementary Principal Dr. Nikan Arapoff are providing opportunities for students to explore STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) topics, challenges, and career pathways through hands-on learning. 

Dr. Arapoff said, “We’re so proud of the keiki and everything that they are doing in our STEM program, which includes 3D-printing, Hawaiian history, and astronomy. Their participation is advancing their knowledge in a way that helps community.” 

Dr. J.D. Armstrong, Educational Outreach Specialist for the University of Hawaiʻi’s Institute for Astronomy, shared, “Hughes is one of these people that seem to really have a knack for getting things to work. He is also an avid amateur astronomer. When he started teaching at Wailuku Elementary, I set up an account for him with the Las Cumbres Observatory (LCO) educational program, Global Sky Partners. Hughes and his students are using this online resource to image objects like the Moon and anything they wish to study in their designated time. For example, one student wanted to image Halley’s Comet because it was visible when King Kamehameha was born.”  

Mr. Hughes said, “This class is making a vast difference in the lives of the students. Many of the keiki have gone from special education classes to advanced classes in a single year. I feel that it’s really changing lives, and that means everything to me!” One student shared, “This class has made me think of going into engineering and science.” Another explained, “I love making 3D objects and exploring the sky on the computer through LCO’s robotic telescope network!”  

The 3D projects begin with three main steps: designing and modeling, slicing (preparing the design for printing), and 3D printing. The students can explore this technique as a medium for creating sculptures while learning about spatial relationships. Additionally, teachers can use 3D printing to create lessons for various subjects like math and science. 

 “Our keiki are smart, and they have incredible imaginations,” Mr. Hughes concluded. “Once I give them the tools and create a sense of wonder, I have done my job!”