The keiki learned that Puna has many fish ponds.  This multi-step activity incorporated creating a kiloi `upena (fish net) with Raffia, Gyotaku fish printing, and free painting to create their every own rendition of a loko i`a.

Papa 1 has our very first huaka`i this Friday.  We are going to visit the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm, Green Point Nursery Anthurium Farm, and Shipman Park.

Investigations Math, Unit 2 has a focus on Geometry.  To provide a hands on experience with this unit we have been making shapes and quilts.  Keiki have been encouraged to simply play with the geometric shapes of hexagon, square, rhombus, triangle, and trapezoid.  They were given tasks to create images or pictures using 12, 18, 25 or 28 pieces.  They’ve recorded and drawn their creations.  The following are some examples of what our papa 1 have done….. I think it’s pretty cool!!!  What do you think?

Puna is known for its Hala groves that invigorate its lands.  As we continue our learning of this wahi pana we integrated the art of Lauhala weaving.  The keiki learned of some purposes of the Hala, painted with the Hala “brushes”, are learning a Hala song, all to better understand and relate to this special place.

Friday afternoon, Kumu Kaleo, Kumu Littrell, Mrs. Chang, and Uncle Fred, from our Grounds division went on a huaka`i to the University of Hawai`i, Hilo Agriculture Farm.  Our plan: learn about aquaponics.  At the UH farm we met up with Aquaponics educator, Adam.  Adam showed the kumu the different types of systems that can be made.  He showed us the kinds of materials and tools we need to build our pond.  He shared his mana`o on what would possibly work for young first grade keiki.  Kumu Littrell and I were quite excited learning all about the aquaponics.  With our new knowledge we hope to be getting our system “up and at `em”

`Anakala James Jeong, Ka`oiwi’s dad came to share mo`olelo about Kalapana. `Anakala shared his upbringing in one of Puna’s famous places.  He talked about the lifestyle that he lived stating that “in the old days, things were a lot more simpler and easier, it’s harder today”.  He shared about his grandpa and best friend who only had one hand but was skilled at kalai wa`a, ku`i `ai and many other trades known in Kalapana.  `Anakala shared about a special cave, pictures of what Kaimu used to look like with its black sand beach, and told of the many happy times in Kalapana.

Mo`olelo verbally shared to our keiki is so precious.  No book can take the place of this kind of treasure.

Mahalo `Anakala James!!!

What a great way to follow-up on our experiment on aquifers, Puna, and its relationship to springs.  Hawaiian Springs Water company located in Kea`au, Puna provided photographs of their bottling company that explain the process in which water is bottled after it is pumped.  They also dropped off two cases of Hawaiian Springs, bottled at the source in Kea`au water.  One case was for the kids to drink in school and the other, to take home and share with `ohana.  The keiki also received a bottle.  This bottle is what it looks like before it is enlarged and filled with water, you’ll notice its very small size.

It is so nice to be a able to make relevant connections to our learning.  Ask your keiki all about  it!

Mahalo to Hawaiian Springs for their donation.

to our Papa 1.

We have been learning about the moku of Puna for the last few weeks.  We know the geographical location of the area, we are aware of common features of this place, and most recent learned what the name Puna means in reference to water.  In our efforts to integrate our various areas of studies, we decided to create a science experiment.  After watching a Youtube video on how Puna has natural water springs and aquifers in the area, we were intrigued by the process in which rain is made into drinking water.  Therefore, we decided to make our very own filtrating bottles that somewhat resemble the process in which rain water goes through the Earth and ends into a well or aquifer, eventually becoming drinking water.

Uwe ka lani, ola ka honua.

When the heaven weeps, the earth lives. When it rains, the earth revives. 

-Puku`i

The following are photos of the keiki engaged in their science experiment.

Mahalo to Mrs. Cordeiro, our Instructional Technology Specialist for quickly resolving our blogging pilikia.  We can now comment away!!!!!!

Kumu Kaleo

Ho`omaika`i e Damien a Kalia.  Your demonstration of Hō`ihi is very much appreciated!!  Keep it up!!!

Mahalo to Damien’s mom, Aunty Karyle and Kalia’s mom, Aunty Malia for joining their keiki at lunch today.