(l to r) Alika Ahu, Principal Martinson, Prof. Watters, Karl Sloss, Angelo Laskowsky, Reyn Horner

Professor Corilee Watters and research student, Karl Sloss, from the University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) visited Highlands Intermediate School to learn about their highly successful aquaponics program launched with the help of isisHawaii in October 2010. Principal Amy Martinson and teachers, Alika Ahu, Angelo Laskowsky and Joan Okai, were on hand to provide feedback and testimonials from a full year of applying hands-on aquaponics projects throughout their 7th and 8th grade science classes. Also present were Hapa Farms (Reyn Horner and Sean Moura), sustainable agriculture professionals who mentored the teachers and provided training, installation and implementation support.

Professor Watters and Mr. Sloss were there to request feedback from the teachers to help shape the inaugural release of their science curriculum developed specifically for schools with “school gardens,” including those with aquaponic systems. Watters and Sloss interviewed Principal Martinson and the participating teachers about best practices, preferred formats and lesson topics.

The Highlands team also gave the visiting curriculum developers a tour of the aquaponics garden, just being revived after the summer hiatus. Due to the cooperation of a strong school team and rotational commitment, the system survived the summer with little disruption or loss.

Teacher enthusiasm about last year’s pilot was extremely positive. According to Laskowsky, student motivation to learn about science increased dramatically. Academically, student capacity in science (i.e., grades) also increased due to the relevance and application realized through aquaponics. Okai will be offering aquaponics as a full CTE (Career and Technical Education) elective. Ahu will be combining 3D CAD with aquaponics activities to further 21st century learning and multidisciplinary experiences.

This year, isisHawaii will continue working with Highlands Intermediate School and Hapa Farms to set up a commercial unit and a food safety certification program so that the students may extend their learning into the community through service projects.