HCAP WEEKLY July 27, 2026

Kalihi STEM’s Experimentation and Fun With Slime and Oobleck

Last month, students at Kalihi Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program wrapped up the end of another amazing year with one of their favorite STEM activities, which is perfecting slime and oobleck recipes!

To kick off the lesson, students explored the science behind edible slime by creating their own using cornstarch, instant vanilla Jell-O pudding mix, and water. As they carefully measured, mixed, and adjusted the ingredients, they discovered how changing the amounts affected the texture and consistency of their slime. Once everyone was happy with their final recipe, students enjoyed tasting a small sample while discussing why all of the ingredients were safe to eat.

Next, students were reintroduced to Oobleck, a fascinating substance that doesn’t behave like an ordinary liquid or solid. They learned that Oobleck is a non-Newtonian fluid, meaning it changes its behavior depending on how much force is applied. When squeezed or hit, it feels solid, but when held gently, it flows like a liquid. Students experimented by poking it, squeezing it, rolling it into a ball, and letting it drip through their fingers to observe these unique properties firsthand.

Just like with their slime, students worked together to perfect their Oobleck recipe, testing different ratios of cornstarch and water to create the ideal consistency. Through trial and error, they made predictions, recorded observations, and learned that making adjustments based on results is an important part of the engineering design process and scientific experimentation. The lesson was a fun way to wrap up the year by combining chemistry, physics, and hands-on exploration into one fun activity. Students left excited by the strange science behind everyday materials and proud of the recipes they had perfected through teamwork, creativity, and experimentation.

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Laumaka Client Regains Independence Through ECS

In May, a client, T, visited the HCAP Kalhi-Palama District Service Center after being referred to HCAP by the Laumaka Work Furlough program, a supportive initiative designed to help individuals navigate their return to work while adhering to specific guidelines. T arrived with a pressing need for transportation assistance, which is often a significant barrier for many in similar situations.

During the initial meeting, Kalihi-Palama staff conducted a thorough intake for the client to be enrolled in the Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services (ECS) program. This program is tailored to equip individuals with the necessary tools and resources to secure meaningful, sustainable employment, ensuring they can meet the requirements of the furlough program.

Last week, Kalihi-Palama District staff had the opportunity to reconnect with T for an update on his journey. With a sense of pride and gratitude, he conveyed that the ECS program played a pivotal role in helping him find a job. He shared that he has been actively employed for the past two months, and his enthusiasm was evident as he described the positive changes in his life. His progress not only reflects his hard work and determination but also underscores the transformative impact of support programs like ECS in enabling individuals to regain their independence and build a better future

Click here to learn more about Nā Lima Hana.

Head Start Nurturing Active Bodies for Active Minds

Physical activity is a great way to learn, play, and support a healthy lifestyle. When children have outdoor play time, teachers actually find that the children are better able to follow directions, regulate, and are happier and healthier. This is why at Head Start, children participate in at least 60 min of outdoor physical activity each day. Daily outdoor play gives children opportunities to strengthen gross motor skills while building confidence, independence, and safe risk-taking through exploration. 

This week, classrooms expanded on those experiences through sensory play and creative exploration using connecting blocks, water tables, and building materials. These hands-on activities encouraged children to investigate texture, movement, and cause-and-effect while developing fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and spatial awareness. As the children experiment and play together, they discover new approaches,  build resilience, curiosity, and persistence, encouraging them to continue building their own knowledge. Whether it’s building, scooping, splashing, or running, meaningful play experiences inspire lifelong learning, spark imagination, and lay the foundation for healthy, confident, and engaged learners.

Click here to learn more about Head Start.