Overcast skies greeted over three hundred 5th grade female students at the annual Girls Exploring Mathematics and Science (GEMS) event at the Outrigger Keauhou Resort on Thursday, November 17th. Hosted by the American Association of University Women Kona Branch, this annual one-day event provides hands-on experience in math and science fields that tend to be male-dominated. The goal is to stimulate the girls’ interest before they enter middle school, where grades in these subjects often begin to decline.
And what a variety of fields there was to explore! Local organizations included veterinarians, doctors, aquatic scientists, SCUBA, and our very own ReefTeach and Citizen Science leaders. The Kohala Center featured three activities: the Japanese art of fish painting, or Gyotaku, water quality, and substrate transecting. These exercises demonstrated activities found in the marine science field. Gyotaku initiated discussions in various fish morphologies, answering questions like, “What traits enable fish to feed on certain foods?” “How does body shape help them evade predators?” “What characteristics help fish live in different habitats?”
During the next activity, the girls used various water quality testing methods to answer the question, “How do we determine the health of our bay?” Water from Kahalu`u Bay was evaluated using various scientific instruments to determine the temperature, level of dissolved oxygen, salinity, pH, and turbidity. The group discussed how these factors determine water quality and how water quality affects so many things, including coral reefs and human health. Test results were encouraging as the students concluded Kahalu`u Bay water to be of high quality!
The final activity consisted of transecting a forty foot section of marine benthic habitat for substrate. Transects are used by scientists to count and determine species in an area. These species might include fish, plants, or in our case, substrate types. The girls were given a survey and learned how to count the amounts of different surface types that support life in the marine environment, including sand, hard coral, native algae species, alien algae species, and coralline algae. Some substrates are considered healthier than others for reef ecosystems because they support a higher level of plant and animal diversity. For example, hard coral is healthy for a reef ecosystem because it provides food and shelter for fish and invertebrates, whereas alien algae species can grow out of control and kill an entire reef system.
After recording the various types of substrate, the girls entered their results into a computer program which then generated a chart showing the percentage of each substrate type. Students were then able to use this visual tool to determine the health of the overall transect based on the amount of each substrate.
The day ended with cheers and smiles as everyone departed. Armed with new knowledge and hands-on experience, the students expressed excitement toward their futures. The GEMS event empowered students and teachers alike. By creating memories and inspiring young minds, there is little doubt that the events of the day will leave lasting impressions on the lives of these 5th grade girls!
Congratulations to all who contributed to the day!
Photos by C. Carl
A bright, clear beautiful morning greeted visitors at Kahalu`u Bay on October 22, along with food, games, prizes, Hawaiian crafts, music and a day of fun to be had by all. La `Ike Day, a Day of Understanding, was underway at the main pavilion, with coral reef education and the sharing of traditional Hawaiian knowledge.
