Field Experiences
Field Experiences
All programs are available for free for O`ahu students and scheduled on a first-come-first-served basis. If we are unable to accommodate your first choice of program or scheduling for any reason, we are happy to coordinate with you.
To learn more or book a reservation with us please contact us at:
MalamaKamananui@gmail.com.
Ahupua`a o Moanalua
Students explore Kamananui Valley, the last undeveloped land in Moanalua. This program centers around fostering a sense of place and students’ relationship to their community. Students familiarize themselves with Kamananui, learn about the ahupua`a and biocultural zones, discover the diverse range of species the valley hosts, learn the valley’s rich history and mo`olelo, and more. Recommended for students grades K-12.
Applicable learning standards: SS.7HHK.3.11.3, SS.7HHK.2.14.4, NHMO 8.7, NHMO 3.4
Hana `Imi `Na`auao
Students become environmental scientists as they discover and familiarize themselves with the factors in the natural world that determine biodiversity. Using real-world equipment, students explore Kamananui Valley, comparing and contrasting data at different sites within the valley, creating a robust understanding of how environmental factors influence the natural world. Recommended for students grades 4-6.
Applicable learning standards: HS-LS2-6, HS-LS4-5, NHMO 8.1, NHMO 8.3
Mālama `Āina
Students take the first steps towards becoming stewards of their land and communities through ecological restoration projects. This hands-on experience sees students working with gardening tools, becoming familiarized with both invasive and native plant species, and understanding the symbiotic relationship between humans and the natural environment. This program grants a rare opportunity to work with native, and even endangered Hawaiian species that students would otherwise not be exposed to. *Please book at least a month in advance. Plants come from the DOFAW nursery and are not always available.* Recommended for students grades K-12.
Applicable learning standards: HS-LS2-8, SS.7PI.1.14.2, NHMO 7.4, NHMO 5.4
Nā Mea `Ulu
Students get up close and personal with the plants of Kamananui Valley as they observe, identify, and compare different native and invasive species, including endangered plants that they would otherwise not be exposed to. This program also includes a hands-on experience of working with plants through lei making and other crafts. Recommended for students grades K-8.
Applicable learning standards: SS.7PI.1.14.2, HS-LS4-5, NHMO 8.1, NHMO 6.15
Akeakamai - Ka `Āina
Students become environmental scientists, utilizing real-world tools in Kamananui Valley to survey ecological density and abundance. Students become familiar with transects and quadrats, get up close with native and invasive plant species, learn about qualitative versus quantitative data, what data means, and how we use it in different contexts. In the classroom, students can organize the data into graphs and discuss the different data sets within the context of the Kamananui ecosystem. Recommended for students grades 6-8.
Applicable learning standards: HS-LS2-6, HS-LS4-5, NHMO 8.1, NHMO 6.14
Akeakamai - Ka Wai
Students become environmental scientists, utilizing real-world tools in Kamananui Valley to survey multiple sites. Students learn how to do a stream bioassessment (as performed by real environmental scientists), learn about the water cycle, discover what wai and kai mean to Hawai`i’s unique ecosystems, learn about qualitative versus quantitative data, what data means, and how we use it in different contexts. Back at the classroom, students also have the opportunity to organize the data into graphs and discuss what the differing data sets mean within the context of the Kamananui ecosystem. Recommended for students grades 6-8.
Applicable learning standards: HS-ESS2-5, HS-LS2-6, NHMO 8.1, NHMO 6.14