2 min read
Unlock the secrets of Hawaii's indigenous science and discover how ancient navigators mastered the stars to voyage across vast oceans without GPS. In this episode, Dr. Leilani Nerveza-Clark shares how native Hawaiian navigators relied on star compasses, environmental cues, and deep observational skills, and how these age-old techniques remain powerfully relevant today as lessons in mindfulness, ecological stewardship, and social-emotional learning. Leilani is an experienced Kumu Kaiapuni ʻEpekema (Hawaiian Immersion Science Teacher) and Alakaʻi Haku Kurikulama Kaiapuni (Kaiapuni Curriculum Specialist). From studying native snails at the Bishop Museum to curating culturally rich STEM curricula for the Hawai‘i Department of Education, the conversation explores how integrating native science and language can inspire the next generation of scientists and stewards of Earth.
Hawaii's untouched environment is a living laboratory, brimming with undiscovered phenomena waiting to ignite young minds, and the state's unique cultural and ecological landscape offers a compelling blueprint for science education. Leilani highlights innovative projects in native species conservation, virtual field trips, and early childhood outdoor learning emphasizing how immersive nature connection is more vital than ever in a hyper-digital age. Whether you're an educator, parent, or policymaker, this episode delivers a clear call to action: leverage indigenous knowledge and inquiry-based learning to turn Hawai‘i into a global STEM powerhouse.
ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi & Culture-Based Education Resources
- Wehewehe Hawaiian Dictionaries: https://wehe.hilo.hawaii.edu/
- The essential online dictionary clearinghouse used for developing modern science curriculum in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi.
- Ulukau: The Hawaiian Electronic Library: https://ulukau.org/
- A digital repository of Hawaiian language books and educational resources supporting indigenous literacy and research.
- Hoʻolaupaʻi (Hawaiian Nupepa Collection): https://www.nupepa.org/
- An archive of historical Hawaiian-language newspapers preserving ancestral knowledge on weather, environment, and history.
Cultural & Scientific Context
- Polynesian Voyaging Society (PVS): https://www.hokulea.com/
- Learn more about traditional wayfinding, the star compass, and the legacy of voyaging.
- Maunakea Observatories: https://maunakeaobservatories.
org/ - Discover the world-class astronomical research happening at the summit of Maunakea.
ABOUT LEILANI
Dr. Leilani Nerveza-Clark is an innovative Alakaʻi Haku Kurikulama (Curriculum Development Leader) and the Poʻo (Administrator) of the State Kaiapuni Distance Learning Program dedicated to shaping the future of science education in Hawaiʻi. A bridge-builder between worlds, she specializes in weaving cutting-edge modern STEM tools with the profound ancestral wisdom and environmental knowledge unique to our islands. By designing place-based, hands-on learning experiences, Leilani empowers educators to inspire all students to see themselves as the next generation of kiaʻi (guardians) of Hawaiʻi and our earth. When Leilani isnʻt busy transforming educational frameworks, you can find her digging through historical archives or exploring the natural wonders of our pae ʻāina.
