HCAP Weekly April 18, 2016

In this week’s issue:

Hā Initiative Students Create a Four-Legged Mobile Walker
Are LED Light Bulbs Worth it: Lets Do the Math!
HCAP Accepting Applications for Two 2016-2017 AmeriCorps VISTA Positions
Head Start Children Go on a Nature Walk and Learn About STEAM
HCAP Hā Initiative Students to Visit Ka Papa Lo’i Kanewai
HCAP Head Start Now Accepting Applications for the 2016-2017 School Year

Hā Initiative Students Create a Four-Legged Mobile Walker

The Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program students at the Kalihi-Palama STEM Exploration Center engaged in one of the largest robotic engineering projects they have ever attempted. The robot, which the kids entitled, “The Great Star Wars Walker,” was an attempt at creating a four-legged mobile walker. One of the main goals of the project was to develop teamwork skills. It took thirty students to complete the project. The robot design utilized around 1,000 Lego robotics components and required two Lego Mindstorms kits. Many of the more complex mechanisms required millimeter-precise calculations or the gearing systems would collapse.

The students are very proud of their creation and had lots of fun through the process. The robot was so big that even Aunty Aldora’s dog was able to hitch a ride!

You can view a video of the robot on our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/HCAPhi/

Are LED Light Bulbs Worth it: Lets Do the Math!

LED (Light Emitting Diode) light bulbs are popping up everywhere! More and more homeowners are attracted to LED light bulbs and are asking if now is the time to convert to these new, “green” light bulbs.

There are many benefits in using LED light bulbs. The amount of energy users save is the most attractive benefit for homeowners. The longevity of the LED light bulbs is also a plus and LEDs don’t attract bugs since they don’t emit ultra violet light.

When examining the price of light bulbs, incandescent bulbs are the clear winner. At around $1 per bulb, the price just can’t be beat. LED light bulbs are much more expensive, ranging in price from about $3 to $25. While prices have come down considerably in the past two years, the average price was still about $5 per bulb. However, this initial pricing does not tell the entire story.

When it comes to energy savings, LEDs are the clear winner. An incandescent bulb uses 60 watts of energy per hour of use at about 20% efficiency. 60-watt equivalent LEDs use only about 10 watts of energy at 80% efficiency. With LEDs you’ll definitely be saving electricity. In using these two bulbs one hour each, you’ll spend about $0.70 for the incandescent bulb and about $0.12 for the LED. The annual cost of a incandescent bulb is $57.62 per year, while the annual cost of a LED bulb is $8.89 per year.

So, should you make the investment in LED light bulbs? If you are renting or are only planning to remain in your home for a short period of time, it may not make financial sense for you to replace your bulbs. However if you are planning to live in your home for a longer period of time, investing in energy-saving LEDs will help you come out ahead in the long run.

HCAP’s Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) may be able to help if you need assistance with becoming more energy efficient. The HCAP Weatherization Assistance Program reduces energy costs for eligible low-income households by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes, while ensuring health & safety. This is achieved through a home energy audit plus household-specific energy efficiency tips and education, and a selection of free energy efficient measures. For more information contact HCAP at 521-4531 or visit our website.

HCAP Accepting Applications for Two 2016-2017 AmeriCorps VISTA Positions

HCAP is now accepting applications for two 2016-2017 AmeriCorps VISTA positions. According to the Corporation of National Community Service, “AmeriCorps VISTA members are passionate and committed to their mission to bring individuals and communities out of poverty. Members make a year-long, full-time commitment to serve on a specific project at a nonprofit organization or public agency. They focus their efforts to build the organizational, administrative, and financial capacity of organizations that fight illiteracy, improve health services, foster economic development, and otherwise assist low-income communities.”

Individuals must complete a standard application with AmeriCorps and apply directly through AmeriCorps for the open positions. For more information, visit:
http://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps/join-americorps

For more information about the Agency Evaluation Aide position, click here.

For more information about the Kumuhonua Resource Aide position, click here.

The deadline to apply is May 2, 2016.

Head Start Children Go on a Nature Walk and Learn About STEAM

HCAP Head Start children at the Salt Lake Pre-Plus classroom enjoyed gathering flowers and seeds from the garden. As they explored the garden, the children quickly realized that they did not have a container for their flowers and seeds. The children supplemented this need by making nature bags using a pair of recycled paper plates. Afterwards, the children went on a nature walk and gathered a variety of flowers, leaves, sticks, and rocks. At the end of the day, the children shared what they found during the nature walk and drew a picture of the items.

The children also engaged in a variety of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture and Math) explorations. The children participated in an activity they called “Perfect Squares”. First they read the story “Perfect Squares” by Michael Hall. Then the children observed how the book’s illustrator used torn origami squares to create a picture, such as a boat or flowers. Finally, the children created their own pictures that mimicked the ones in the book. The children were very creative with their “Perfect Squares” and learned both math and art skills.

HCAP Hā Initiative Students to Visit Ka Papa Lo’i Kanewai

HCAP is pleased to share that students from the Hā Initiative: Creative Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) After-School Program will be visiting Ka Papa Lo’i Kanewai, at the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s School of Hawaiian Studies on Saturday April 23, 2016 from 10:00am – 1:30pm.

Students and family members from the Hā Initiative’s five STEM Exploration Centers located on the island of Oahu will visit the lo’i. Attending the event will be Honolulu City Council Chair, Ernie Martin, and Representative Isaac Choy, House District 23, Chair of the House Committee on Higher Education. Guest speaker, Anthony Kelling, teacher and adjunct faculty at Chaminade University of Honolulu will be joined by staff from the UH Manoa School of Hawaiian Studies to speak about STEM values of the lo’i kalo. The students will explore the lo’i kalo with its rich ecosystem that supports native plants and animals. In addition, a representative from the University of Hawaii at Manoa Admissions Office will be speaking on STEM education and the “dream of college.”

The Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program is offered at no cost, to students in grades 2-8 at five STEM Explorations on the island of Oahu: Kalihi, Palolo, Central, Leeward, and Windward.

For more information about the program, visit our website at https://www.hcapweb.org/ha-initiative/

HCAP Head Start Now Accepting Applications for the 2016-2017 School Year

Are you or someone you know in need of free or affordable preschool? Spread the word! HCAP Head Start is now accepting applications for children 3-5 years for the 2016-2017 school year. Families are encouraged to apply by calling (808) 847-2400 or visiting our website.