Discover how ʻāina-based education is transforming science instruction across Hawaiʻi by rooting learning in culture, community, and kuleana. ʻĀina partners from multiple islands will share NGSS-aligned units and lessons grounded in HĀ-based learning environments. While there are countless partners doing this important work, this session strives for a representative cross-section to show what’s possible in your community. This session will use a rotating format for participants to better engage more deeply with ʻāina partners. Gain insights into place-based strategies that drive academic excellence, cultural relevance, and student engagement. Explore the creative ways partners are working with schools to develop ʻāina units that not only align with NGSS, but also cultivate students who are globally competitive and locally committed.
This session highlights professional development opportunities that help teachers connect classroom learning with ʻāina—and bring students into a deeper relationship with place. ʻĀina partners from multiple islands will share models of educator workshops and leadership development grounded in local knowledge, community partnerships, and Hawaiʻi’s unique environments. These PD experiences support the design of teaching that can address school priorities, relevant frameworks such as HĀ, as well as standards such as NGSS. The session will use a rotating, giving participants the chance to engage in 20-minute conversations with presenters. Leaders will gain insights into how these professional learning models can support teacher practice, elevate student engagement, and contribute to broader school and system goals. We have endeavored to find partners in each of the major districts as a representative cross-sample, and hope the session will inspire your creativity.
Learn about how schools and ʻāina-based organizations are partnering to make ʻāina-based education more accessible, relevant, and impactful for Hawaiʻi’s keiki. This session showcases a few of the many bright spots emerging across the state, where innovative collaborations between educators and ʻāina partners are transforming the learning experience through culture, environment, and community connection. Participants will hear stories from schools and partners who are co-creating curriculum, redesigning learning environments, and embedding ʻāina into the heart of teaching and learning. These exemplars demonstrate what is possible when schools embrace community expertise and commit to grounding education in Hawaiʻi’s unique sense of place. Designed for school and system leaders, this session will spark ideas and inspire action toward building or strengthening your own ʻāina-based partnerships.
