Free classroom presentations, STEM modules available to Maui schools

Free educational resources focusing on stormwater awareness and STEM learning are now available to Maui County schools through the State of Hawaii Department of Transportation, Highways Maui District.

The program offers two key educational opportunities: interactive classroom presentations on environmental stewardship and hands-on STEM education modules for students in grades K through 12.

Classroom presentations focus on stormwater awareness and include interactive activities and discussions led by environmental experts who teach about Maui’s storm drain system, its relationship to the ocean, the impacts of pollution on the island’s stormwater, and what can be done to help safeguard the island’s ecosystems.

Each presentation fits into one class period, and Highways Maui District can give multiple presentations throughout the school day, depending on the volume of participating teachers and classrooms.

The hands-on STEM education modules are available through a partnership between Highways Maui District and the American Association of State Highways and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). Five specialized modules are currently available: Bridge Builder, Safety, Construction, Environmental and Elementary. 

For elementary school students, the AASHTO module promotes real-world problem-solving and activities designed to bring math and science concepts to life. For the 7 to 12 grade levels, AASHTO modules emphasize critical thinking skills; include engineering principles, design and construction topics; and introduce students to potential transportation and civil engineering careers. Each educational module typically takes two to three hours.

Highways Maui District will train teachers on how to use the modules and participate in classroom visits to share interactive activities and engage in student discussions. Teacher training, classroom visits and STEM modules are provided free of charge to eligible schools.

To schedule a school presentation or learn more about the STEM modules, interested school administrators and teachers should contact Ty Fukuroku, program manager of Environmental Management, Highways Maui District, at ty.h.fukuroku@hawaii.gov.

For more information about Highways Maui District’s educational resources for teachers and students, including STEM modules, visit the Education & Outreach page at www.stormwatermaui.com.