HI-MOES Conference 2013

Hawai‘i Island Meaningful Outdoor Experiences for Students (HI-MOES) is a science- and project-based outdoor learning program for secondary students, engaging students and their teachers in the scientific research process. Research projects are informed by integrating indigenous knowledge and resource management systems with the study of Western watershed system management. The program is funded by the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).



During the 2012-2013 academic year, students learned about watershed systems and resource management through classroom sessions, research design, and field trips that included careful observation and data collection. Outdoor Educators from The Kohala Center and the Kohala Watershed Partnership assisted with classroom presentations, research method instruction, site selection, and field trip logistics. Scientists and cultural experts also participated in the program through classroom and field presentations.



During the school year, 12 teachers in 10 intermediate and high schools comprising a total of 492 students in Hilo, Waikoloa, Waimea, Honoka‘a, and Kailua-Kona answered questions about a diverse set of topics, including examination of moss, species diversity and abundance in forests, outplanting survival rate, fish diversity, coral abundance, and water quality in Hilo Bay. At the culminating scientific conference in April 2013, students presented their research findings to each other and to members of the community.