‘Imiloa Astronomy Center announces the launch of its newest educational endeavor, MANU ‘Imiloa, a mobile outreach program aimed at sharing ‘Imiloa’s unique brand of culture-based science education across the island.
‘Imiloa Astronomy Center announces the launch of its newest educational endeavor, MANU ‘Imiloa, a mobile outreach program aimed at sharing ‘Imiloa’s unique brand of culture-based science education across the island.
Beginning this fall, MANU (Modern and Ancient ways of Navigating our Universe) ‘Imiloa will take astronomy center staff on the road with an interactive curriculum inspired by the Polynesian Voyaging Society’s epic worldwide voyage, and designed to explore the skills involved in noninstrument ocean navigation, or wayfinding.
“As we prepare to celebrate ‘Imiloa’s second decade in 2016, we expect this new initiative to dramatically expand the programs offered at our Hilo center, making science accessible and culturally relevant to new audiences across our island and our state,” said ‘Imiloa executive director Ka‘iu Kimura.
Outreach will be offered in two formats. NOIO (noninstrument orientation, an introduction to oceanic wayfinding) is a 30- to 60-minute package that can be delivered at the request of K-12 schools and community centers, or offered as part of local events. Audiences of all ages gather around a model of the Hawaiian star compass or sit inside ‘Imiloa’s digital portable planetarium to learn how wayfinders rely upon the stars and their relationship with the environment to determine course and direction.
The second offering, KOLEA (keeping our legacy of exploration alive), is a two-week curriculum package designed specifically for middle school teachers to adopt for seventh- and eighth-grade science or math classes. Titled “The Geometry of Wayfinding,” it explores the geometry and science that undergird traditional Polynesian noninstrumental navigation.
Created using Moenaha — a culture-based curriculum design and instructional model — and developed with the guidance of a teacher advisory committee, this experience aligns with Common Core State Math Standards, Na Honua Mauli Ola Cultural Guidelines for Learners, and Next Generation Science Standards.
The 2015-16 KOLEA program will be limited to a first cohort of 10 enthusiastic and passionate middle school teachers across Hawaii Island. Applications will be accepted until Aug. 15; selection committee.
For more information, visit www.imiloahawaii.org, or call 969-9721.