Background/Question/Methods
Traditional educators in Hawaii face many challenges that include under-funded programs, lack of content-specific knowledge, few instructional resources, and isolation from their mainland peers. The Pacific Whale Foundation believes the long-term future of Hawaii depends upon having a scientifically literate population that understands the world around them, as well as appreciates the complex links between the ocean environment, terrestrial ecosystems, and human activity, while possessing a sense of responsibility and stewardship. For this reason the Pacific Whale Foundation has created an experiential interdisciplinary educational program in marine science, Hawaiian Studies, environmental conservation and marine research, designed for pre-K through gray learners, all of which are correlated to State (HCPS) and National (NSES) Standards.
Results/Conclusions This presentation will discuss the importance of participating in experiential environmental education programs and present survey data in which 84% of our participants demonstrated enhanced environmental knowledge, attitudes and behaviors.