HCAP WEEKLY February 10, 2025

Hā Initiative Explores Insects, Bugs, and Critters

At the Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program, the curriculum theme for the month of January was insects, bugs, and critters! HCAP’s Honolulu STEM Exploration Center focused on the amazing lives of earthworms and their vital role to Earth’s ecosystems. Students learned how earthworms help aerate the soil and break down organic matter, redistribute nutrients, improve water retention, provide food for other species, and stimulate root growth, overall making the ground healthier for plants to grow. The class combined science with creativity during Gastronomy Friday by making a “dirt and worms” edible creation. Using chocolate pudding as the subsoil, crushed Oreos as the topsoil, and gummy worms to represent earthworms, students experienced a hands-on STEM lesson that reinforced their learning.

At the Kalihi Exploration Center, students performed fascinating dissections. The young scientists showed much curiosity as they explored the anatomy of two intriguing creatures: the Tahitian prawn and the crayfish. To begin, students dissected Tahitian prawns, an invasive species in Hawai’i. They learned about the adverse effects they have on the ocean food chain and certain strategies to manage invasive species in the environment. They followed strict safety protocols during the dissection by wearing laboratory glasses and gloves.

Next, they tackled the dissection of a larger critter—the crayfish! Students were brave as they carefully cut through its exoskeleton using laboratory scissors and tweezers, working to separate all the individual parts. They learned the intricacies of how a crayfish’s body works, from its mandibles and antennas, to its internal organs. As they examined the anatomy of the critter, students eagerly asked questions while they explored the anatomical functions, in addition to learning about how these critters are caught and consumed. It was wonderful to see the connections students made between science, culture, and conservation. Students have already inquired about when the next dissection would be, and they’re eager to explore the anatomy of a frog! STEM teachers were thrilled to see their enthusiasm for learning, and can’t wait to dive into even more captivating lessons.

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Windward Kupuna Receives HCAP Wraparound Services

Patricia is a resident of The Kahuku Elderly Housing who was invited by the Windward District Service Center staff to participate in HCAP’s Kūpuna Independent Life Series program. Through the program, Patricia was able to thrive in areas of nutrition education, social activities with peers and was able to obtain skills for independent living in her own home. It was through these services that Patricia formed a trusting relationship with the Windward District staff, so when she received the diagnosis that she had cancer, she felt comfortable in opening up and sharing her story.

While going through treatments, Windward District manager, Sonny Preston, continued to visit Patricia during her outreach services, which was when Patricia shared how she had been so focused on treatments that she missed her HECO bill payment. Sonny was then able to share information about the Hawai’i Home Energy Assistance Program (H-HEAP) and helped Patricia get enrolled to receive energy credit.

Sonny shared, “It is a priority of the Windward District Center to do weekly outreach. All staff participate to cover areas from Waimanalo to Waimea sweeping the beaches, streets and parks to reach the houseless community, as well as visit low-income kūpuna housing to check on individuals who don’t have any family here on O’ahu or at all. It is through these outreaches that we learn about different scenarios in the community’s lives that led to different services. Patricia learned about HCAP through the Kūpuna Independent Life Series, and through this program, I was able to get her on my outreach services which lead to assisting her with her HECO bill leaving her the opportunity to focus on her medical needs. To me, that’s what I love about my job.”

On Sonny’s last visit, she was overjoyed to celebrate Patricia’s last day of chemotherapy with her. HCAP would like to express its happiness and congratulations to Patricia!

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Head Start Keiki Nature Walk Studies

The Head Start keiki at Ewa Pre-Plus and Waipahu II conducted a study on trees. They learned about how trees grow, why they are important for the environment and planet, the various types, and what is created from them. At Ewa Pre-Plus, the children went on a nature walk around the school campus to explore the various trees. They were encouraged to touch, smell and observe the tree and share their observations aloud. The children at Waipahu II employed their scientific inquiry skills by examining the roots, bark and leaves of the tree and documenting their discoveries through drawings.

Click here to learn more about Head Start and Early Head Start.