0324 - Marine Understanding Through Hands-on Exploration and Education (MUHE'E)

Course Description

This middle school program invites Hawaiʻi students in grades 7-8 to the HIMB located on Moku o Loʻe, an islet within Kāneʻohe Bay. Experience hands-on learning, culture, and become an ocean steward.

Activities will focus on marine natural resource conservation, protection, and restoration. Planned activities might include, but are not limited to:

introductions to research labs at HIMB and students/researchers
snorkel surveys
a marine plastics lab and beach cleanup activity
a curriculum focusing on Ahupuaʻa (watershed) connections from ridge to reef and
coral lab modules introducing restoration concepts such as Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement and Coastal Erosion

Depending on students’ comfort in the water, we will plan a reef survey day or an on-the-boat-lab using HIMB’s educational vessel Ka Noelo Kai, as a science platform with opportunities to collaborate with community partners in the bay. If relevant, a swim test would be conducted prior to any water activities for safety purposes. However, swimming capability is not required for participation in the MUHEʻE Program.

Notes

Note: Swimming capability is not required for participation in the MUHEʻE Program. This course is not for college credit. Students must bring their own lunch, snacks and drink daily.