Hidden Jewels at Kohala Elementary School
Eight years ago, when The Kohala Center launched the Hidden Jewels (HJ) Program at Kohala Elementary School, there was no formal science education for students, no formal science curriculum or training for teachers, no special science materials or facilities, no linkages between science and math or science and literacy, and no after-school educational enrichment programs for elementary-age children in the community. When we conceived of the Hidden Jewels (HJ) Program, our goal was simple—to instill curiosity and a love of learning in as many students as possible, with an emphasis on science.
Master science teacher Susan Lehner spearheaded the development of a place-based, relevant and integrated elementary science curriculum for grades 1–5, a curriculum which has now been published and shared with other elementary schools on the island. The Hidden Jewels curriculum focuses on concepts students can observe or study here in Hawai‘i, how they relate to their lives on the island, and how they relate to the larger world in general. All HJ subjects are things that the children either see or hear of on a daily basis. First graders are presented with a general introduction to the sciences, second graders focus on Hawaiian forest ecology, third graders study ocean sciences, fourth graders study astronomy and Polynesian voyaging, and fifth graders study Earth sciences.
HJ lessons reinforce scientific thinking by consciously linking scientific concepts to literacy and math concepts. Science learning is further enriched through project-based art lessons. In spring 2009, Kohala Elementary School’s new Science Center was formally dedicated and opened its doors to students, and it now serves as the focal point for science learning and for a variety of HJ-sponsored after-school enrichment activities for students. As The Kohala Center works to improve educational opportunities for students in schools around the island, HJ serves as a model for successful science education at the elementary school level.
For more information, contact info@kohalacenter.org, or call 808-886-6411.