Mokupāpapa Discovery Center

Virtual Voyage of Discovery Lessons
For ages K-12th grades

Woman sounds a conch shell trumpet aboard a voyaging canoe viewing an island. — A Native Hawaiian cultural practitioner sounds the pū (conch shell trumpet) to announce the arrival of the traditional voyaging canoe, Hikianalia, at Nihoa Island. Image: Jamie Makasobe

Join us for a one hour interactive journey through Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Lessons conducted on your preferred teaching platform. Please contact justin.umholtz@noaa.gov for more information and to reserve a time.

Mural with starfish and reef. — Mural: Kahi Ching

Hānau ka ‘ukukoʻakoʻa: Born is the Coral Polyp

For ages K-4th grades.

Students learn about Hawaiian cosmogony and the natural history of the Hawaiian archipelago through the Kumulipo– a Hawaiian Creation Chant. Students also learn the importance of corals and some of the marine organisms that depend on them. Student supplied materials will be required.

Diver examines reef. — Image: Michael Caban and Justin Umholtz/NOAA

Adaptations on the Reef

For ages 4-6th grades.

Students learn about the Kumulipo and how it reflects the practice of kilo, or deep observation to build a body of knowledge. Students will practice kilo using our live aquarium feed, focused on observing possible fish adaptations that help them survive on the reef.

Bird on beach with marine debris. — Image: NOAA

All About Albatross: A Virtual Albatross Bolus Dissection

Adaptable for 3rd-12th grades.

Students learn about the importance of Papahānaumokuākea as nesting grounds for the Laysan and blackfooted albatross. They virtually help us dissect a real bolus (dried regurgitation) as we identify our human impacts on these amazing birds and discuss positive actions to protect them.