[KHO1405 (Alt 10, 11, 12)]

Year, Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra 1A/1B.  Open to Grades 10-12.

Papa Kilo Hōkū will be an exploration into the introduction to Hawaiian views of astronomy and weather, with a focus on celestial bodies and how they are used as a wayfinding tool by Polynesian Voyaging Society trained navigators.  It will also introduce the modern revival of voyaging and navigation in Hawaiʻi and Moananuiākea (Oceania).  We will examine voyages by Hōkūleʻa, Hawaiʻi Loa, and Hikianalia; canoe design, sailing dynamics, weather, and sail planning strategies used by Polynesian Voyaging Society trained navigators and non-instrument navigation practices.  Our ability to care for the earth is directly related to our understanding of it.  In this class, we will work to understand the basics of astronomy that allowed our ancestors to navigate the surface of the earth without the use of modern electronic equipment – relying solely on their understanding of their place among the stars.

In this course, we will work through an understanding of latitude and longitude and their relationship to terrestrial time.   We’ll map the celestial sphere and learn the constellations.  We’ll understand how the planets, Sun, and Moon move across the celestial sphere, and we will use a variety of methods to determine our location on the earth using stars as a guide.  We will work to understand the math behind it all from spherical coordinate systems to trigonometry so that you can use the language of science (math) to obtain a scientific perspective of your place.  As much as is possible, this class will employ inquiry and project-based ideas to build our understanding of our place in this universe.

Finally, we will use our understanding of the past to build toward the future.  Time permitting, we will work to understand the man-made stars (satellites) and the goals and intent of modern astronomy.  The class may involve multiple learning field trips and will most definitely require more than a few evenings out among the stars at various locations.

Math skills taught in Algebra 1 and Geometry will be applied frequently throughout the course.