‘ʻIkuwā Journey Through the Universe’ brings the solar system to Hilo students and their families
Using hands-on activities, volunteer educators from Maunakea Observatories and other institutions shared their knowledge of astronomy.
More than 1,400 Hilo-Waiākea students of all ages explored the wonders of astronomy during the annual “ʻIkuwā Journey Through the Universe” Week.
From Oct. 19-22, 19 educators from Maunakea Observatories and other scientific institutions led age-appropriate hands-on activities for students in grades 2-12.
“Journey Through the Universe gets students excited about science in a really fun way,” said Mariesa Venzon, District Educational Specialist at the Hilo-Waiākea Complex Area, in a news release. “Even after 23 years, we find new opportunities to grow and adapt the program to meet the needs of our schools.”
While second graders danced their way through the planets, older students learned about lo, Jupiter’s volcanic moon, and the properties of different wavelengths of light.
Outside the classroom, 70 Hilo-Waiākea students, teachers, staff and ʻohana participated in “Maunakea Moongazing,” co-led by Maunakea Observatories and the Center for Maunakea Stewardship. On Oct. 17, they gathered at Hale Pōhaku atop Maunakea on Hawaiʻi Island for an evening of stargazing, telescope viewing, and moʻohōkū (Hawaiian star stories).
“My daughters who are 6 and 2 experienced their first look through a telescope. None of us had ever seen Saturn’s rings,” said Jasper Oshun, a Haʻaheo Elementary School parent. “It was a really special experience.”
High school students took field trips to the Gemini North Telescope on Maunakea to explore astronomy careers and learn firsthand about the scientific discoveries taking place on Hawaiʻi Island.
“It’s important that they get to see first-hand the incredible work they can be a part of right here on our island home,” said Leinani Lozi, Hawaiʻi Education and Engagement Manager at Gemini, who helps to lead the Journey program.
Journey Through the Universe is an annual STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education program led by the International Gemini Observatory/NSF NOIRLab and the Dept. of Education Hilo-Waiākea Complex Area. The program involves volunteer educators from the islands and beyond, including NASA, the University of Hawaiʻi and Maunakea Observatories, a group of 10 independent institutions with telescopes atop Maunakea on Hawaiʻi Island.
For more information, visit maunakeaobservatories.org.
