School: Mokapu Elementary School and Kainalu Elementary Sc
    Kailua, Hawaii, United States

90 students, ages from 8 to 11 worked together to complete this CyberFair project on March 26, 2002. They have participated in CyberFair in the following year(s): Only the 6th grade class

Classes and Teachers: Nena Mossman, Technology Coordinator, Mokapu; Aileen Arashiro, Gr. 3 Teacher, Mokapu; Denise Lau, Gr.3 Teacher, Mokapu; Gail Van De Verg, Gr. 6 Teacher, Mokapu El; Amy Oshiro, Technology Coordinator, Kainalu El.; Megan Sherwood, Gr. 5 Teacher, Kainalu El.

E-Mail contact:

Our School's Web Site: http://www.k12.hi.us/~mokapu

1. Description of Our Community

Our school community is primarily made up of military dependents and surrounding suburban families.Two schools participated in this project. There were two third-grade classes and one sixth-grade class from Mokapu Elementary which is located on the Marine Corps Base-Hawaii. Kainalu Elementary, which is located about a mile from the base, had one fifth-grade class participating in this project. The children have a broad range of experiences and abilities. The majority are new to the islands and are unfamiliar with our natural environment and a tropical island ecosystem. Our students’ ages range from age 8 to 11.

2. Summary of Our Project

Nu’upia Ponds Wildlife Management Area is located on Mokapu peninsula on the windward side of Oahu. It is a protected wetland and the primary nesting site for one of our endangered Hawaiian waterbirds. Our essential question is “What do we know about the Nu’upia Ponds?” We are exploring its history, bird life, plant life, animal and fish life, as well as the maintenance and monitoring of the sanctuary. Through this project we hope to build community awareness and a greater understanding of our community’s responsibility to maintain our unique natural resource.

3. Our Computer and Internet Access

A. Percentage of students using the Internet at home:21-50%

B. Number of workstations with Internet access in the classroom:1

C. Connection speed used in the classroom:dedicated connection

D. Number of years our classroom has been connected to the Internet:2-3

4. Problems We Had To Overcome

We had difficulty researching our topic because there is limited information available about Nu’upia Ponds. The students were unfamiliar with storyboarding and with the concept of graphic representation of technical information. The younger students initially had difficulty with animation, but eventually were able to produce quality work. The large size of our student group created time management difficulties, especially when high-end technology skills were being introduced. We overcame these difficulties by dividing our topic into smaller units of study and by providing flexible computer lab time for the students.

5. Our Project Sound Bite

Our Nu’upia Ponds web site has impacted our students and community by raising their awareness of the fragile nature of our watershed ecosystem, and fostering a desire to take an active role in preservation.

6. How did your activities and research for this CyberFair Project support standards, required coursework and curriculum standards?

Our project addressed both national and state educational standards in Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, Fine Arts, and Technology. Our students learned research and communication skills as well as web authoring, teamwork, and group and individual responsibility. Our groups practiced concept mapping, story boarding, peer tutoring, and oral interviewing. Because of this project, our students are now more aware of the native and alien species, and man’s impact on our natural environment. We have found that the participating teachers and students are the leaders and role models in the use of technology within the curriculum. This project has produced a great deal of interest, motivation, and pride in their International publication.

1) What information tools & technologies did you used to complete your CyberFair project?

Most of the tools used are from the computer lab. We used 20 iMacs, 2 PowerMacs, 1 LC575, 2 digital cameras, scanner, external mics, and a tape recorder. The authoring software we used are HyperStudio, Claris Home Page, Gif Builder, Graphic Converter, Quicktime VR, SimpleSound,and Quicktime Pro. We got books from the library and pamplets from the Nu'upia Ponds Management Specialist. The most effective tools we used were the web authoring software such as HyperStudio to illustrate our pictures and Gif Builder to animate them, as well as, the digital cameras to enhance our webpages.

2) In what ways did you act as "ambassadors" and spokespersons for your CyberFair project both on-line and in person.

Our students worked closely with community members to develop this project, and have displayed our project to our community at our school curriculum fair. Parents were very impressed with the Nu'upia Ponds project and what their students have produced and learned.

3) What has been the impact of your project on your community?

Our project has already made a significant impact on our community as it promotes environmental awareness and community responsibility. It is available to members of the local and International communities through the Internet.

4) How did your project involve other members of your community as helpers and volunteers?

Two public elementary schools were involved in the creation of this project. Students were able to meet and interact with each other. There was across grade collaboration. Our field trips were conducted by the senior management specialist of Nu’upia Ponds, and the technology was guided by the director of LET (Learning Education Technology) Academy.

5) Discoveries, Lessons and Surprises (Optional)

Everyone (teachers, students and parents) were pleasantly surprised at the high quality of this project. The students were very proud of their work and are eager to share it with others.