Overview
Hawai‘i is welcoming the world in September 2016 for the
World Conservation Congress (WCC), a global gathering held every four years organized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The theme this year is "Planet at the Crossroads," a nod to two competing narratives about the planet's ecological future: one optimistic, one pessimistic.
A viable alternative to this either-or approach is one that embraces reality — one that acknowledges that we live in a world of complex, interdependent systems, and changes to these systems can either enhance resilience or result in greater instability and uncertainty
Our public schools have passionate educators and students who are engaged in and leading the issues addressed at the WCC; many schools are themselves evolving into sustainability labs and models of place-based action. The WCC is a natural fit with these key initiatives:
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Mālama Honua: An educational journey tied to the worldwide voyage of the
Hōkūle‘ā and Hikianalia to inspire sustainable practices to care for "Island Earth;"
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Nā Hopena A‘o: A framework to develop the skills, behaviors and dispositions that are reminiscent of Hawaiʻi’s unique context, and to honor the qualities and values of the indigenous language and culture of Hawaiʻi; and
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Next Generation Science Standards: To be implemented over the next few years, NGSS offers a deeper learning of science that is multi-dimensional and purposeful.
We welcome the WCC to Hawai‘i and look forward to the related projects our schools will tackle this year and beyond. If you would like to share your work with us, please contact doeinfo@k12.hi.us.
Resource Bank
The goal of this Resource Bank is to provide educators with a starting point for locating resources relevant to the themes of IUCN and WCC, particularly biodiversity, food and water security, and climate change. It's separated into two sections (click here for a downloadable document):
[ Go to:
Grades K-1 | Grades 2-3 | Grades 4-5 | Middle School | High School ]
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Resource Collection |
|---|
GENERAL: WCC & IUCN |
GRADE(S) |
DESCRIPTION |
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World Conservation Congress | General Audience | Conference website for the 2016 WCC in Hawai‘i |
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International Union for Conservation of Nature | General Audience | IUCN Website |
HAWAI‘I/PACIFIC RESOURCES |
GRADE(S) |
DESCRIPTION |
|
My Voyage: Mālama Honua | K–3 | Users of this interactive video app visit cultural experts from the ocean to the mountains, gather materials for their own canoe, and take the first steps toward becoming a junior navigator. Proceeds support the Polynesian Voyaging Society and Mālama Honua Charter School. |
Kōkua Hawaii Foundation:
‘Āina in Schools | K–5 | Lessons and resources for school-based garden programs, with components including garden-based learning, waste reduction, agricultural literacy, and nutrition education. |
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NOAA's Sea Earth Atmosphere Curriculum | 3–5 | Elementary marine science curriculum developed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, with a focus on Hawai‘i and the Pacific. |
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Project Aloha ‘Āina | 3–7 | Project- and place-based units developed by the Native Hawaiian Education Council in partnership with Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikōlani College of Hawaiian Language, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. Units include wetlands, ahupua‘a, streamlife, conservation, and coral reefs. |
Papahānaumokuākea:
Educator Resources | 4–5 | Lessons based on the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands developed by the
Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. |
Winged Ambassadors | 6-8 and 9-12 |
This activity package on ocean literacy through the eyes of the albatross was produced by Oikonos - Ecosystem Knowledge and Meghan Marerro in collaboration with Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary and the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument with funding from NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. |
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PRISM Curricula | K–8 | Lessons developed by UH-Hilo’s Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Science Program and Education Department and Hawai‘i Island K-8th grade schools focused on the Hawaiian marine and terrestrial environments, and living Hawaiian culture. |
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‘Ōhia Project Curriculum | K–8 | Lessons developed by the Moanalua Gardens Foundation (MGF), along with Bishop Museum and the Hawaii State Department of Education, based on conserving Hawai‘i’s natural environment. |
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Pīkoi ke Kaula Kualena | K–12 | Place-based lessons developed by University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa faculty and Hawai‘i teachers relevant to traditional ecological knowledge and sustainability. |
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Polynesian Voyaging Society Hōkūle‘a Curriculum and Activities | K–12 | A variety of activities related to traditional Polynesian Voyaging and the Worldwide Voyage of the
Hōkūle‘ā and Hikianalia. |
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Water for Life | K–12 | Resources developed to help teachers and students understand the importance of access to and management of fresh drinking water on Pacific Islands. |
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Project Kahea Loko | 4–12 | Lessons with an emphasize on mālama i ka ʻāina (to care for the land), conserving cultural and natural resources, restoration and maintenance of historic fishponds. |
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Hō‘ike o Haleakalā | 9–12 | A Maui-based multidisciplinary, environmental science education curriculum designed to help students establish and deepen connections to the land and culture. |
GENERAL RESOURCES |
GRADE(S) |
DESCRIPTION |
|
Climate Literacy & Energy Awareness Network | K–12 | Hundreds of reviewed resources aligned to climate and energy literacy topics. |
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National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project | K–12 | Curriculum resources developed by NEED, with topics including alternative energy sources, climate change, and energy in society. |
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NGSS @ NSTA Earth and Human Activity Lessons | K–12 | Lessons curated by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) to align to the NGSS Core Idea ESS3: Earth and Human Activity. |
NGSS @ NSTA Biological Evolution:
Unity and Diversity Lessons | K–12 | Lessons curated by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) to align to the NGSS Core Idea LS4: Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity. Topics include natural selection, adaptation, and biodiversity and humans. |
Grade-specific lessons
Each lesson features highlighted connections to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Practices of Science and Engineering (Practices), Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs), and Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs), and the Common Core State Standards (CCSS).
Note that many of the lessons are aligned to older sets of standards, but are still applicable when viewed through the lenses of NGSS and CCSS.
GO TO:
Grades 2-3 |
Grades 4-5 |
Middle School |
High School
GRADES K-1
|
|---|
|
LESSON |
NGSS |
CCSS CONNECTIONS |
| PRACTICES | DCI(s) | CCC(s) |
GRADE K
Build an Anchialine Pond. Students build models of anchialine pond organisms and habitats. Part of a
larger unit on anchialine ponds. | Developing and Using Models
Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information |
LS2.A Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems | Systems and System Models
Structure and Function |
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K.6 Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas |
GRADE K
Humans on Earth: A short video explaining relationship between human needs and the use of natural resources, as well as solutions for preserving them. | Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information |
ESS3.C: Human Impacts on Earth Systems | Cause and Effect |
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K.6 Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas |
GRADE 1
Hoary Bat: Students observe and describe bat characteristics, and compare bat wings to bird wings. Part of a larger unit on
Ahupua‘a. | Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions |
LS1.A: Structure and Function
LS4.C: Adaptation | Structure and Function |
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.1.1 Comprehension and Collaboration |
GRADE 1
Hawai‘i’s Rocky Shores: Hidden Animals. Students test their hypotheses on how well different materials could provide protection for animals that live along Hawai‘i’s shorelines. Part of a larger unit on
Hawai‘i's Rocky Shores. | Analyzing and Interpreting Data
Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
Engaging in Argument from Evidence |
LS1.A: Structure and Function | Cause and Effect: Mechanism and Explanation
Structure and Function |
CCSS.Math.Content.1.MD.C.4 Represent and interpret data. |
|
GRADES 2-3 |
|---|
|
LESSON |
NGSS |
CCSS CONNECTIONS |
| PRACTICES | DCI(s) | CCC(s) |
GRADE 2
Sandy Shores: Crustacean Critters
Students discuss what crabs need to survive and observe crustacean structures and functions. Part of a larger unit on
Hawai‘i's Sandy Shores. | Asking Questions and Defining Problems
Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information |
LS1.A: Structure and Function
LS1.C: Organization for Matter and Energy Flow in Organisms | Systems and System Models
Structure and Function |
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.2.1 Comprehension and Collaboration |
GRADE 2
Let’s Reduce Reuse Recycle
Students explore ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle, including maintaining and observing worm bins. | Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
Analyzing and Interpreting Data
Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions |
LS2.A Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
ETS1: Engineering Design | Energy and Matter: Flows, Cycles, and Conservation
Cause and Effect: Mechanism and Explanation |
CCSS.Math.Content.2.MD.A.1 Measure and estimate lengths in standard units.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.2.1 Comprehension and Collaboration |
GRADE 3
Invasive Animals and Their Impact
Students participate in a simulation and describe how traits of animals allow them to be invasive. Part of a unit on
Hawai‘i's Invasive Animals. | Engaging in Argument from Evidence |
LS2.C: Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning, and Resilience
LS4.C: Adaptation | Structure and Function
Cause and Effect: Mechanism and Explanation |
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.3.6 Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas |
GRADE 3
Solar Energy: Engineer a Solar Water Heater (Lesson 4) — Students design and test a solar water heater. Part of a larger unit on solar energy. | Asking Questions and Defining Problems
Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions |
PS3.A: Definitions of Energy
PS3.B: Conservation of Energy and Energy Transfer
ETS1: Engineering Design | Energy and Matter: Flows, Cycles, and Conservation
Cause and Effect: Mechanism and Explanation
Systems and System Models |
CCSS.Math.Content.3.MD.A.2 Solve problems involving measurement and estimation |
|
GRADES 4-5 |
|---|
|
LESSON |
NGSS |
CCSS CONNECTIONS |
| PRACTICES | DCI(s) | CCC(s) |
GRADE 4
Catching the Wind: Number of Blades/Blade Size (Lesson 4)
Students investigate the effects of turbine blade variables on the amount of energy produced by a windmill. Part of a larger unit on wind energy. | Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
Analyzing and Interpreting Data
Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions |
PS3.A: Definitions of Energy
PS3.D Energy in Chemical Processes and Everyday Life | Energy and Matter: Flows, Cycles, and Conservation
Cause and Effect: Mechanism and Explanation |
CCSS.Math.Content.4.MD.A.1
Solve problems involving measurement and conversion of measurements.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.4.3
Key Ideas and Details |
GRADE 4
Alternative Energy Earth Scientist
Students obtain and present information regarding the value and uses of geothermal energy. | Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information |
PS3.B: Conservation of Energy and Energy Transfer
ESS3.A: Natural Resources | Energy and Matter: Flows, Cycles, and Conservation |
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.4 Text Types and Purposes |
GRADE 5
Invasive Species
Students learn about invasive coqui frogs and salvinia ferns by reading narratives and work to develop solutions to address invasive species in Hawai‘i. | Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information |
LS2.A: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
ETS2.B: Influence of Engineering, Technology, and Science on Society and the Natural World | Cause and Effect: Mechanism and Explanation
Stability and Change |
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.5.3 Key Ideas and Details |
GRADE 5
Bottle Biology Terrarium
Students construct a soda bottle terrarium and observe and describe this ecosystem. | Analyzing and Interpreting Data |
LS2.A: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
LS2.B: Cycles of Matter and Energy Transfer in Ecosystems | Energy and Matter: Flows, Cycles, and Conservation
Systems and System Models |
CCSS.Math.Content.5.MD.B.2 Represent and interpret data.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.5.4
Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas |
|
MIDDLE SCHOOL (Grades 6-8) |
|---|
|
LESSON |
NGSS |
CCSS CONNECTIONS |
| PRACTICES | DCI(s) | CCC(s) |
Fishing for the Future
Students examine their families’ seafood consumption habits and construct an argument for the conservation of seafood resources. Part of a larger unit on
ocean exploration. | Asking Questions and Defining Problems
Engaging in Argument from Evidence |
ESS3.A: Natural Resources
ESS3.C: Human Impacts on Earth Systems
LS1.B: Growth and Development of Organisms | Cause and Effect: Mechanism and Explanation
Stability and Change |
CCSS.Math.Content.5.MD.B.2 Represent and interpret data.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.5.4
Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas |
Habitable Planet Population Simulator
Students use an interactive simulation to explore the relationships between organisms in an ecosystem. | Analyzing and Interpreting Data
Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking |
LS2.A: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
LS2.B: Cycles of Matter and Energy Transfer in Ecosystems | Patterns
Systems and System Models |
CCSS.Math.Practice.MP4 Model with mathematics |
Design a Preserve
(student handouts)
Students act as natural resource managers to design and manage a nature preserve for Native Hawaiian plants and animals. | Analyzing and Interpreting Data
Developing Models |
ESS3.C: Human Impacts on Earth Systems
LS4.D: Biodiversity and Humans | Energy and Matter: Flows, Cycles, and Conservation
Systems and System Models |
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.6.2 Comprehension and Collaboration |
What is the Future of Earth’s Climate?
Through a sequence of five interactive activities, students analyze data to understand relationships between environmental factors and global climate change. | Analyzing and Interpreting Data
Developing Models |
PS1.A: Structure and Properties of Matter
ESS3.D: Global Climate Change | Stability and Change
Cause and Effect: Mechanism and Explanation |
CCSS.Math.Practice.MP4 Model with mathematics
CCSS.Math.Content.5.MD.B.2 Represent and interpret data
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.6.2 Comprehension and Collaboration |
Save Our Water!
Students explore issues related to surface and groundwater in Hawaii and create an action plan for restoring and protecting these water sources. | Asking Questions and Defining Problems
Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions |
ESS2.C: The Roles of Water in Earth’s Surface Processes
ESS3.C: Human Impacts on Earth Systems | Energy and Matter: Flows, Cycles, and
Cause and Effect: Mechanism and Explanation |
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.6.2 Comprehension and Collaboration |
Atmospheric Pollution and Global Warming, Pohina I Ka Uahi (Hazy with Smoke)
Students determine sources of air pollution and the relationship of air pollution to climate change, then explore how historical insights from Hawaiian language newspapers could guide solutions to future climate change related issues. | Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
Analyzing and Interpreting Data
Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking
Engaging in Argument from Evidence |
ESS2.D: Weather and Climate
ESS3.C: Human Impacts on Earth Systems
ESS3.D: Global Climate Change | Patterns
Cause and Effect: Mechanism and Explanation
Stability and Change |
CCSS.Math.Content.5.MD.B.2 Represent and interpret data
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.7.2 Comprehension and Collaboration
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.7.5 Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas |
|
HIGH SCHOOL (Grades 9-12) |
|---|
|
LESSON |
NGSS |
CCSS CONNECTIONS |
| PRACTICES | DCI(s) | CCC(s) |
Aquaponics
A framework for a unit in which students examine ecosystems and sustainability through a quarter-long project. The outline provides ideas and flexibility for individual teachers and schools. | Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
Analyzing and Interpreting Data
Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
Developing and Using Models |
PS1.B: Chemical Reactions
LS2.A: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
LS2.B: Cycles of Matter and Energy Transfer in Ecosystems | Energy and Matter: Flows, Cycles, and Conservation
Systems and System Models |
CCSS.Math.Content.HSS.IC.B.5 Make inferences and justify conclusions from sample surveys, experiments, and observational studies
CCSS.Literacy.ELA-SL-9-10.4 Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas |
UN Climate Council
Students act as members of the United Nations Climate Council to identify and address the major factors associated with climate change. | Engaging in Argument from Evidence
Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information |
ESS3.C: Human Impacts on Earth Systems
ESS3.D: Global Climate Change | Cause and Effect: Mechanism and Explanation
Patterns
Stability and Change |
CCSS.Math.Practice.MP.2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively
CCSS.Math.Practice.MP.4 Model with mathematics |
Engineering Desalinators STEM Unit
Through a sequence of lessons, students develop a definition of potable water, then design and test water desalinators. | Analyzing and Interpreting Data
Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
Developing and Using Models
Planning and Carrying Out Investigations |
ETS1: Engineering Design
PS3.A: Definitions of Energy
PS3.B: Conservation of Energy and Energy Transfer | Cause and Effect: Mechanism and Explanation
Energy and Matter: Flows, Cycles, and Conservation |
CCSS.Math.Content.HSS-ID.A.2Summarize, represent, and interpret data on a single count or measurement variable
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.9-10.1Comprehension and Collaboration
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.4 Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas |
Population Explosion
Students use a computer model to manipulate variables to determine factors that impact population size over time. | Analyzing and Interpreting Data
Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking |
LS2.A: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
LS2.B: Cycles of Matter and Energy Transfer in Ecosystems
LS2.C: Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning, and Resilience | Cause and Effect: Mechanism and Explanation
Systems and System Models |
CCSS.Math.Practice.MP.4 Model with mathematics |
Calculating Biodiversity in the Real World
Students calculate and compare biodiversity in two different local environments. | Analyzing and Interpreting Data
Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking |
LS2.C: Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning, and Resilience
LS4.D: Biodiversity and Humans | Scale, Proportion, and Quantity
Patterns |
CCSS.Math.Practice.MP.2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively
CCSS.Math.Practice.MP.4 Model with mathematics
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.2 Text Types and Purposes |
