Kūkulu Nā Uapo (Native Hawaiian Curriculum Grant)

The majority of Native Hawaiian (NH) students are educated in schools in which the Western knowledge system serves as the core of academic curriculum. Strategies for teaching/learning and academic curriculum used in schools ignore how and what NH students need to achieve academic success and cultural well-being. The educational system is failing to engage NH students in positive and productive teaching and learning, resulting in abysmal academic outcomes, higher rates of absenteeism, grade retention, suspensions, and dropouts for NH students. Disengagement from teaching and learning is also reflected in overrepresentation of NH students in special education. The overall goal of the Kūkulu Nā Uapo Project is to meet the need of engaging or re-engaging NH students in learning with culturally responsive, high quality academic curriculum aligned to standards, leading to improved outcomes in grades, attendance, and reduced absenteeism, suspensions, and dropouts for NH students.

The Kūkulu Nā Uapo Project developed a culturally responsive, standards-based 6th grade science curriculum, which integrates math and literacy skill outcomes, and that focuses on teaching/learning through the local culture. Consistent with the traditional Hawaiian world view, as well as the revelations of modern science, this curriculum teaches students they are embedded in, and dependent upon, a network of relationships. These relationships are shaped by place and also extend through space and time to the origin of the universe. Interconnections are taught through a concept entitled Ka Upena O Ke Ola, The Net of Life. The curriculum focuses on force energy and matter, 6th grade science standards, and include the following 6 Units: What is Science?; Relative Physical Science; Connecting to Origins; It’s all about Matter; The Impact Zone; and Cycles and Patterns: The Global Heat Engine, The Moon, Sound and Light Waves. Each unit includes supporting videos and WebQuests. The curriculum follows Universal Design Principles, is differentiated for all students, and utilizes effective research-based practices for Native Hawaiian students and other minority cultures.

The curriculum was developed through a participatory process that generated consensus around a new paradigm in which a common ground was developed and nurtured across the Native Hawaiian and Western knowledge systems. The paradigm was generated through a collaboration process involving na kupuna (elders), local cultural experts, educators, scientists, and curriculum specialist, and served as the basis for curriculum formulation of providing Native Hawaiian students the knowledge and skills needed to master a subject (science) and develop critical supportive skills (math & literacy), while gaining a greater depth of understanding of their culture and the contributions of Native Hawaiian scientists, past and present.

The Kūkulu Nā Uapo Science Curriculums will be available to all 6th grade science teachers in Hawaii Department of Education and Charter Schools.