BIORETS
2024 Participants
Kiane Prietto
As you may know, Hawaiʻi is often referred to as the “Extinction Capital of the World.” What is even more daunting is that many of our native species are found nowhere else on Earth, making our biodiversity irreplaceable. To address this pressing issue, the summer BIORETS program was created specifically for teachers in Hawaiʻi. The BIORETS – REACHES (Research Experiences for Advancing Curriculum on Hawaiian Ecosystem Sciences) initiative, supported by the National Science Foundation, focuses on ecosystem sciences through the lens of land snail ecology, conservation, and Hawaiian cultural values. This program allowed each of us to dive deeper into hands-on research experiences, providing training in captive rearing, genomic research, and allowed us to create curriculum from the indigenous perspective.
Participating in this program offers several invaluable benefits:
Professional Development: Gain firsthand experience in cutting-edge ecological research and conservation practices. This will not only enhance your knowledge but also empower you to bring authentic scientific inquiry into your classroom. By the end of this program I was able to develop an entire year’s worth of curriculum that was both meaningful and impactful to both me and my students.
Cultural Integration: Learn from Hawaiian cultural practitioners about incorporating cultural values and practices into placed-based learning, enriching your classroom curriculum and fostering a deeper connection to Hawaiʻi. Give yourself the opportunity to learn more about programs and happenings in your community for further direction. Absolutely loved working with Leilani, Kapaliku and especially Dr. Kiana Frank!
Student Engagement: Create meaningful connections with different preservation sites to allow your students first hand knowledge on biodiversity. Allowing them opportunities to practice their role in conservation, inspiring the next generation to be environmental stewards.
Collaboration: Connect with a network of passionate educators, scientists, and cultural practitioners dedicated to preserving Hawaii’s unique ecosystems. These partnerships will support our collective efforts in making a significant impact on our environment and community.
I encourage you to consider joining the summer BIORETS program and becoming a part of this vital initiative. Together, we can inspire our students, enhance our teaching practices, and contribute to the preservation of our precious natural resources.
Sherry Tenn, Waipahu High School
This past summer, I had the opportunity to participate in the BIORETS/REACHES Program at Bishop Museum, where I collaborated with experts in malacology and collaborated with other educators and college students. Together, we focused on developing an educational curriculum centered around native Hawaiian snails. These unique creatures play a critical role in maintaining biodiversity and supporting the health of our ecosystems. Through this program, I gained hands-on experience in conservation efforts and contributed to raising awareness about the importance of preserving these vital species.
Ariel Lindsey-Emeliano
Aloha,my name is Ariel Lindsey-Emeliano and I am a Kumu at Kanu O Ka ʻĀina Public Charter School on Hawaiʻi island. Participating in the BIORETS Internship was not only a pivotal component to my growth as an educator but also as an individual. I was introduced to the world of Kāhuli a year prior, and was eager to apply for the internship to learn more about them to take back into my classroom this school year. What I did not know was that in my quest for a deeper understanding of our precious native Hawaiian snails, I’d also develop a deeper connection to my inner haumāna, or student. A student who couldnʻt fathom themself a scientist, who was too insecure to speak around “intellectuals” and one who made every excuse not to step out of their comfort zone. This summer experience changed all of those things for me, forever.
My teaching philosophy is to be the kind of kumu I needed when I was in school. I strive to ensure my haumāna are able to learn in a way that suits their individuality whilst still being a part of their papa, or class. The leaders of this internship program were exactly that. They exposed us to every niche within their conservation operations and research studies and made me feel as though I belonged there. I was not weary to ask all of my millions of questions because they taught us with patience and understanding. If it werenʻt for their support, I wouldnʻt have been able to reach the mountain tops, literally.
Throughout the 7 weeks we learned about lab skills, DNA sequencing, how to conduct numerous kinds of surveys as well as the importance of these surveys and how crucial these data collections are and we even went on hikes. When I mentioned mountain tops earlier, I was not joking. One hike in particular was gorgeous, breathtaking, scary as all heck and life altering all in one. In addition to all of the above, we also got to work with the captive rearing efforts happening in the Malacology department. After we could show that we were capable we got to start working with live kāhuli all the time. It was magical every time.
Although a lot of the concepts we were exposed to were new to me, I went into everything with an open mind and am braver and wiser because of it. For anyone whoʻs read up to this point in my blurb, I wholeheartedly encourage you to applyfor this program. It is a one-of-a-kind experience that only a few of us will ever get to be a part of in this lifetime. No sked em – GO GET EM!
Me ka haʻahaʻa,
Ariel Lindsey-Emeliano
Jimie Napoleon-Kanaha
As educators, our mission is to ignite curiosity and broaden perspectives, encouraging students to explore and understand the world around them. This summer, I had the privilege of participating in a transformative seven-week internship focused on Hawaiian ecosystem sciences, particularly Native Hawaiian land snails. What began as a simple exploration turned into a profound journey that not only deepened my understanding of these fascinating creatures but also revealed new dimensions for curriculum development across various subjects.
Initially, my knowledge of snails was quite limited, and I certainly did not anticipate developing a deep passion for them. However, as the internship unfolded, I found myself enthralled by these seemingly inconspicuous creatures and their vital role in our ecosystem. My newfound enthusiasm for native land snails earned me the nickname “the snail girl” upon my return to work. This transformation underscores the profound impact that immersive experiences can have on our professional and personal growth.
The internship offered a comprehensive exploration of malacology, blending fieldwork, lab research, and cultural education. A standout feature of the program was the exceptional support system provided by mentors and the leadership team. Despite the complex material, their guidance and encouragement ensured that I never felt overwhelmed. Their support turned challenging concepts into exciting learning opportunities, fostering both confidence and enjoyment.
In addition to the mentorship and support, the passion of the experts involved was truly inspiring. Their love for their work was infectious, creating an environment that greatly enhanced the learning experience. Their dedication not only deepened my understanding of the subject but also ignited a similar passion within me, illustrating the profound impact that passionate educators and researchers can have on their students and peers.
A key takeaway from the internship was the interconnectedness of science, conservation, and education. I discovered that effective science education thrives when it integrates cultural context and place-based learning. In Hawaiʻi, understanding the local environment is deeply intertwined with cultural practices and beliefs. For example, our work with native snails highlighted the importance of using both indigenous knowledge with modern scientific methods. This holistic perspective is not only crucial in science but also enriches other subjects, illustrating how cross-disciplinary connections can enhance curriculum development.
One of the most impactful aspects of the internship was participating in fieldwork at Mount Kaʻala and West Makaleha. These excursions provided invaluable insights into the habitats of native snails and the meticulous efforts required for their conservation. The hands-on learning and field-based observations emphasized the importance of experiential learning. These lessons can be adapted to various subject areas; for instance, history students might explore the cultural significance of native species, while art students could create visual representations of these species, linking artistic expression with scientific understanding.
The internship also highlighted the potential of community science and how students can actively engage in research and conservation efforts. This realization inspired several ideas for integrating these concepts into the classroom. Students could create digital infographics about native land snails, showcasing their ecological roles, characteristics, and conservation status. These projects can extend beyond science, incorporating elements of digital media, graphic design, and community outreach. Additionally, transforming these projects into murals or public art installations can foster a sense of pride and connection within the school community.
The resources provided by the internship, including access to the Bishop Museum’s malacology collection, specialized curriculum development support, cultural training, and community science workshops, were invaluable. These resources offer rich material for developing interdisciplinary curricula. For instance, history lessons could explore the historical impact of native species, math classes might delve into statistical methods used in research, and literature classes could analyze stories of conservation efforts and scientific discoveries.
Moreover, one of the most rewarding aspects of this internship was the camaraderie I developed with my fellow interns, mentors, and experts. The collaborative spirit and supportive network fostered deep friendships and a sense of community. Working closely with such a dedicated and diverse group of people made the experience even more enriching and memorable. This sense of connection extended beyond professional boundaries, creating lasting relationships that continue to inspire and support me.
In summary, this internship not only expanded my scientific knowledge but also reinforced the power of interdisciplinary learning, the importance of integrating cultural perspectives, and the value of community engagement in education. For educators seeking to ignite curiosity and foster a deeper connection to the world in their students, such internships offer unparalleled opportunities for both personal and professional growth, enabling us to inspire the next generation in truly meaningful and creative ways.
Research experiences were complemented with multiple workshops, professional development activities, and networking opportunities.
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