Inspire your students with the wonders of Hawaiʻi
The natural environment of Hawaiʻi is like no other in the world. Populated with live volcanoes, wondrous marine life, and a fascinating array of endemic plants and animals, the Islands are a ready-made laboratory. The Hōʻike o Haleakalā curriculum is a unique–and free–educational resource that engages students in the study of the native Hawaiian ecosystems. Each learning activity supports educators in implementing NGSS. Lessons can be taught singly or together, as an entire semester-long course. Over 70 activities are organized into units and grouped by modules. Modifications can be tailored to accommodate the unique needs of students with a learning disability, English language learners, and other diverse groups across various grade levels.
Alpine / Aeolian
16 Activities Including Geology, Biology, Resource Protection, and Culture
In Hawaiian tradition, the upper reaches of the mountain are the sacred House of the Sun where every day begins. Of all ecosystems on Maui, the alpine ecosystem is the most intact.
Rain Forest
16 Activities Including Water Resources, Biology, Evolution, and Resource Protection
The upper elevation rainforest were the wao akua, the realm of the god Kū. In the lower elevation wao kanaka, people grew taro and harvested plants. Today, healthy rainforests capture water for human use and provide a refuge for native species.
Coastal
12 Activities Including Coastal Erosion, Invasive Species, and Anchialine Ponds
The coastal ecosystem has a higher ratio of indigenous species to endemic species than other ecosystems in Hawaiʻi. Densely populated since the first people arrived, coastal areas have been dramatically altered by human activity.
Marine
13 Activities Including Reefs, Marine Biology, and Oceanography
Geographically isolated, Hawaiʻiʻs marine environment is relatively species-poor. Hawaiians were as comfortable in the ocean as on land, relying on the ocean for fishing, gathering limu, and tending fish ponds.
Invasive Species
16 Activities Including Biology, Resource Management, and Ethics
Invasive species are the single greatest threat to Hawaiʻi. Learn about the history of introducing new species to Hawaiʻi, what makes a species invasive, the impacts of invasive species, and management challenges.
Search the Curriculum by Activity
The Hōʻike curriculum contains 73 activities based on the unique natural history of Hawaiʻi. Developed by Maui scientists and teachers, the curriculum is written for high school but adaptable for all ages. Explore activities by ecosystem or search by subject matter, standard, and/or resource type.
