Grades 3rd – 5th – Ka Honua Momona

3rd – 5th Grade Activities

Dive into a few activities offered through our educational programs.

01

Mini Makaha Making

Keiki will be able to explain what a mākāhā is and understand how Loko I’a support our comunities. Keiki will design and build a simple model fish gate and test how water and fish move through the structure.

📖 Overview

Students discover how a makaha, the traditional fish gate of a Hawaiian fishpond, helps manage the movement of water and fish. Working in teams, keiki design, build, and test their own miniature makaha while exploring the engineering and innovation behind traditional loko iʻa.

🎯 Learning Objectives

Understand the purpose of a makaha in a traditional Hawaiian fishpond.
Learn how loko iʻa support sustainable food systems and local communities.
Explore basic engineering and problem-solving through model building.
Practice teamwork, creativity, and communication.

🤲 Hands-On Experience

Observe and discuss how fish and water move through a makaha.
Learn about the design and function of traditional Hawaiian fishponds.
Work in groups to design and construct a miniature makaha model.
Present completed models and explain how they function.

02

Loko I'a Pledge

Keiki will create and sign a group poster promising to take care of the Loko I’a and surround reef.

📖 Overview

Students reflect on the importance of caring for Hawaiʻi’s fishponds, reefs, and surrounding environment by creating and signing a shared stewardship pledge. This activity encourages responsibility, mālama ʻāina, and a lasting commitment to protecting natural and cultural resources.

🎯 Learning Objectives

Understand the importance of caring for loko iʻa and surrounding ecosystems.
Recognize how individual actions help protect the environment.
Explore the Hawaiian value of mālama ʻāina through a shared commitment.
Foster responsibility and environmental stewardship.

🤲 Hands-On Experience

Read and discuss the Loko Iʻa Pledge together.
Reflect on ways to care for the ocean, reefs, and fishpond.
Sign a collaborative class pledge poster.
Share personal commitments to protecting Hawaiʻi’s natural resources.

03

Mo'olelo Mystery: Story of Haloa

Keiki will go on a scavenger hunt to find the missing pieces to finish the story.

📖 Overview

Students work together to uncover the story of Hāloa through an interactive scavenger hunt. As they search for clues, assemble the moʻolelo, and identify the parts of the kalo plant, keiki explore the cultural significance of kalo and its connection to the Hawaiian people.

🎯 Learning Objectives

Learn the moʻolelo of Hāloa and its cultural significance.
Understand the relationship between people, land, water, and food.
Identify the parts of the kalo plant.
Develop teamwork, reading comprehension, and problem-solving skills.
Strengthen appreciation for Hawaiian culture and traditions.

🤲 Hands-On Experience

Read and discuss the Hāloa moʻolelo in small groups.
Follow clues to locate missing pieces of the story.
Assemble the story in the correct sequence.
Label the parts of the kalo plant.
Share discoveries and discuss the lessons of the moʻolelo.

🌿 Interested in Bringing Your Class?

These activities are just a few of the many hands-on learning experiences we offer. If you’d like to learn about additional activities, discuss the best program for your students, or book a field trip, please reach out to our program volunteer coordinator for information!