Hawaii's Native Forests
A Hands-on Guide to Hawaii’s Native Forests
To download lessons, click on the links on the left.
Grade Level: 6th Grade
Purpose: This curriculum is designed to communicate:
- How dry forest ecosystems are affected by natural and non-natural events.
- The structure and function of seeds and flowers and how they might be adapted to dry forest habitats.
- How to properly use the scientific method.
Rationale: The Hawaiian dry forest is a threatened ecosystem and surrounds many of the towns on the west side of the Big Island. It provides habitat for many Hawaiian plants and animals that are found nowhere else in the world. Some of these plants have been traditionally used by native Hawaiians for a variety of uses. This curriculum promotes an enhanced view of the Hawaiian dry forest, how scientists study it, and different factors that affect it. It uses hands-on, inquiry-based activities to promote an enhanced learning about the Hawaiian dry forest.
This unit was created and piloted by Nick DeBoer & Sylvie Bright