Group 5 project niu assignment

Question 1: We had several guests speak or sing during the niu presentation ceremony. What did you learn from them about the waimea valley? About native Hawaiian customs and culture? What was your favorite part of the ceremony?

Answer: The one thing we learned about waimea valley is that waimea means secreted water. On native Hawaiians, we learned that they built temples around the valley, which showed a symbol to worship the gods, such as the fishing gods. We also learned about a word from the Hawaiians, aloha. We learn that aloha means hello, goodbye, love, standing face to face, and share the breath of life to one another. Our favorite part of both ceremonies was when they gave us respect by greeting us with and lovely Hawaiian chant because they had both put lots of feeling and emotions into the chant, which made us, feel important and special in our own way.

Question 2: In our first outdoor experience, we went to Kailua Beach Park on the windward side. This was not a good location to launch niu. What makes waimea bay a better spot for this purpose?

Answer: Kailua beach was not the best place to launch niu because first of all Kailua was closed in by the reef and not open like waimea. Second, there is not an island right in the middle of the bay.

Question 3: When we launch Niu, we will take it outside the bay on a kayak. Why do you think we are not launching it from the shore?

Answer: We think that the reason you will launch niu far out on a kayak instead of on the shore is because the current from the shore we think will not be able to carry it out to the sea. Also there is quiet a large reef so the probe might not be able to pass it on its own. To add to the launch, we had done a test with a coconut that one of the groups found. What w did was we launched the coconut by the shore and the waves actually took the coconut out to sea. So next time we can launch niu at the shore of waimea bay!

Question 4: Once we set the niu adrift we have no control over its movements, so we will be closely monitoring its progress to make sure it does not come quickly back to shore, get tangled, etc. what technology are we using to track the niu? Can you briefly explain how this technology works?

Answer: the technology that we are using to track niu is a device called a GPS. the way a GPS is used, is it sends information from Niu to a satalite and then sends the information to a computer to tell its location.

Question 5: please identify 5 things that are artificial and 5 things that are natural in the waimea bay area that may influence the cleanliness of the beach and the water.

Answer: 5 artificial things 5 natural things

- benches - leaves

- oil\gas - mud

- cigarette buds - branches

- umbrellas - coconuts

- plastic - seaweed

Question 6: Estimate about how many people are on the beach today? how many cars in the parking lot? what are the people doing on the beach? are people doing activities that could hurt the health of the ecosystem?

Answer: we estimated that there are about 1oo people on the beach today. we had also estimated that there are 40-50 cars in the parking lot. the people are doing multiples of activities on the beach such as, surfing, diving, snorkeling, swimming, tanning, kayaking, eating, walking, boogie boarding, and jet skiing.

essay by taylor aitaro

What can I do to protect the environment?

I can start picking up trash when I see it. I can make it an effort to Recycle, reduce and reuse more. I can also start reminding people how precious and fragile the world is and that we should protect it.

Why is Niu important?

Niu is important because it helps us understand that are trash

effects lots of people around the world. Niu shows us the currents

around Hawaii and where are trash goes. It also shows that even though we are in the middle of the Pacific Ocean by ourselves we still can make a difference so we should start helping the Earth not destroying it.

What did I learn from doing this project?

I learned that the ancient Hawaiians depended on the watershed a lot more than we today do. I found out that you could track things by using satellites in space, which we are using to track Niu. I also learned lots of things about the old Hawaiians such as Waimea means sacred water, and that the Hawaiians built temples to honor there gods, like the one they built for there fish god near Waimea. The main thing I learned is that we are all connected. which means we are all affected by pollution and we need to stop it together.

I can make a difference in the environment by cleaning up rubbish in public areas, riding my bike around to get to places, and using the 3 R’s reuse, reduce, and recycle. I can also make a difference in the environment by throwing away my rubbish and not of littering. I can plant trees and other greenery to make more resources for other generations, by not wasting food or other valued resources, and by buying a grocery bag so I don’t always have to get plastic bags. My brother says he can make a difference in the environment by picking up rubbish out side. My mom says she can make a difference in the environment by using less electricity, and by taking shorter showers.

well, the landing was at one.pm but... in california. i just watched the FOXnews at 10am this morning and it showed the the phoenix has landed on mars safely. although, it could have been worse because the machine they have sent controls itself. and it has a choice to open up the parachute, let go of the parachute, turn on its engines to slow itself and land near mars' north pole.

that machine had this heat shield that protected it from the heat it goes up to when it reaches the atmosphere, without it- the machine would disintegrate or burn up. although the inside never reaches above room temperature.

this was really exciting to watch, mr korsak! thanks for telling us about it, but i was a little late to record it >:[ as long as i watched it. well....gotta work on my half page essay now X] byeeee;

i have drawn a poster with '•projectniu•' written on it. we need the niu-people to sign it. meaning ... Erin, Evan, Josiah, Anna, Marcy, etc. etc. not in a hurry. just hopefully before the end of the school year, but if not... mr.korsak should have his ways X] i hope it'll stay in the science room for a long time. GO ClASS Of 2007-2008 SCiENCE, PERiOd 6. you know you jealous(: THANK YOU MR.KORSAK, once again, FOR MAKING US THE BEST cough cough. and thank you evan, for making us the FIRST! well, mommiee says i have to sleep -____________-; goodnite.

          On the last day of school I think it will be floating in the middle of the ocean between Hawaii and Californa becouse of the way it is heading now. In three months I think it will be closer to Californa and then turn and head to Japan.

    Tonight Taylor A. and I shared about Project Niu at our schools Family Excellence Night. What we shared is what project niu does, and where it is now. It was fun because I barely even talked because Taylor pretty much talked the most! We all had so much fun telling people about Project Niu and what it teaches us about the environment. Bye!

our field trip ROCKED!!!! we had so much fun even though we did not get to go in the water  :(  .  i was in group 6 and our group in awesome.  we worked really well as a team (kind of) . we were greated by a chanter and we also had entertainment like music.