Aloha ʻĀina Units
Cultural Foundation
Each grade level unit is built on a foundation of Hawaiian cultural beliefs and values.
Project-based Learning
Students engage in science and math investigations to discover their connections to their local environment and ways that they can kokua to help care for their community.
Locally Relevant Readings
Student readings and background information for teachers include mo'olelo, maps, and local history related to the ahupua'a being studied. Beautiful artwork by Hawaiian artist, Brook Parker and stunning color photographs by local photographers enhance the readings.
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|
 |
Grade
Level |
Units |
Essential
Questions |
Values
Emphasized |
3 |

Wetlands |
How
do wetlands help our community and how can we
kokua (help) to care for wetlands? |
Kokua
(Helping; assisting) |
4 |

Ahupua'a |
How
do Hawaiian practices
nurture a healthy relationship to the `āina, and how can we give back
to the `āina today? |
Laulima
(Cooperating)
Malama (Caring) |
5 |

Stream Life |
How
is lokahi (balance) among native stream plants
and animals affected by human activities and what
can we do to care for the stream community? |
Lokahi
(Balance; harmony) |
6 |
Conservation
|
How
has technology changed the way we consume and
dispose of products and what can we do to reduce
waste and ho'ola (to heal) our ahupua'a? |
Ho'ola
(To heal)
Kuleana (Responsibility) |
7 |

Coral Reefs |
How
are human activities affecting coral reefs in
Kane'ohe Bay and what can we do to ho'ihi (respect)
the bay and promote sustainability? |
Ho'ihi (Respect) |
7 |

School Yard Gardens |
How
do we grow healthy foods and malama 'aina (care
for the land) so that the land will continue to
nurture us in the future? |
Malama
'aina
(Caring for the land) |
8 |

Landforms |
What
processes created the natural landforms in our
area, what role did these landforms play in Hawaiian
culture and history, and how do we show ho'ihi
(respect) for them? |
Learning
About Landforms
Ho'ihi (Respect) |
9
- 12 |

Streams |
What
issues are affecting our streams and how can we
improve water quality and care for these resources? |
Pa'ahana
(Hard-working) |
9
- 12 |

Fishponds |
How
can we increase the productivity of Waikalua Loko
and why should we take action to mälama the
pond? |
Malama
(Caring) |
9
- 12 |

Forests |
Why
are native Hawaiian forests home to so many native
and endangered species and how can we raise public
awareness about the need to malama (care for)
forests? |
Malama
(Caring) |