Here is how the project went:
I was very lucky to be invited to participate in Sustainability fair in Punahou open to K~12 grade in May 08, 2025. They encourange "hands-on" activities to learn how the plastic pollution damage the well being of mammals, sea birds and other animals in Ocean, how we can help their well beings in stead of classroom activities. We had 8 stations with volunteers to:1. which plastic will float or sink, 2. how plastic travels to Pacific Gyre from Asian countries, 3. how mammals can get entangled in ghost net and how do you feel, 4. how whales can get entangled and how to release them, 5. how Papahanaumokuakea Marine Debris project collect plastic debris by diving for 6 weeks, 6. how they treat the debris, 7. how Hi monk seals, albatross, Hi green sea turtles ingest micro plastics, 6.Help to sift the microplastics from the sand, 7. (Japanese festival game) scoop the microplastic from the Ocean/kids pool and let fish and mammals live safely and healthy(Fish Pono), 8 lastly dry the microplastic you scooped and cleaned the ocean then glue it into the pledge sheet in the shape of Lehiw Hi Monk Seal. Pleadge 1: I pledge to avoid single-use plastic to protect Ilio holo ika uaua, Pledge 2: I pledge to be a good neighbor to share the beach safely to protect Hi Monk Seals, and lastly Pledge 3:I pledge to be a guardian of the sea to protect and report on "Ilio holo ika uaua.All went well from 6:30~1pm outdoor, however, I wanted to explain more on choices of pledges. However, we reached out about 500 people!
Through this project I/we learned:
I felt classroom presentation for 15-20 can reach out more in details. In our presentation, we can have conversation and feed back as we go along, which we missed in the large fair. However, roots and shoots 4 steps were well reached except the last one of celebration.
What I/we might change:
I will focus on the cycle of plastics, trash analysis and reach the pledge with more activities. Also we could not present using computer in outdoor, I spent more $$ to create flow of visual analysis., however, preparation went perfect with posters.
My/our favorite part of this project was:
Everything was hands-on. Rather than presentation of pictures and small size of plastic debris, we think students enjoyed the Japanese game, "scoop the golden fish!." applied to scoop micro plastics. They found it important but fun.
Some tips, tricks or fun facts about the project:
I walk on the 6 miles long deserted beach every week to look for or monitor Ilio holo ika uaua, Hawaiian Monk Seals. I especially fell in love to share the stories of Mother seal and her pup nursing for 5-7 weeks. Their love for each other, however, they can ingest or entangled in Plastic debris. I documented all through photography and stories. I love to learn how Dr. Jane did the research on Chimps, and I love to share my love of Hi Monk Seals in anyone's classrooms when they don't have this beautiful beach like in Hawaii. We have a mission to keep this beautiful island safe and beautiful!! Thank you for this opportunity for me to reflect my passion to Protect Hi Monk Seals through connecting many parts of organizations, which I could not do alone. Dr. Jane, I love to follow your path more to share with younger generation!!
