A researcher-keiki collaboration aims to foster a deep connection to the land and community through storytelling. The Coastal Research Collaborative (CRC) at the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹ developed , a storybook that was inspired by a play researchers co-created with students at Kaʻaʻawa Elementary.
“It¡¯s a poetic tale about friendship and beach dynamics, where dunes and waves dance in harmony, much like the relationships we nurture in life,” Andrade said. “When children explore the environment with wonder and care, they grow into empowered, compassionate citizens who understand the importance of m¨¡lama ʻ¨¡¾±²Ô²¹.”
The story, written by doctoral student Helena Andrade and illustrated by CRC researcher Richelle Moskvichev, is available and as an , and draws from Andrade¡¯s years of coastal fieldwork in Brazil and Australia, her love for dance, and friendship with UH ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹ in the doctoral student Kammie Tavares.
Tavares, who has engaged elementary to high school students in science education since the beginning of her academic career, shared, “As researchers, we have a kuleana to our community, including our keiki. Creating activities to explain complicated issues may seem challenging but in my experience teaching science through play is really heart-warming and has refined my own understanding of concepts. I highly recommend it!”
The Sand Dance is one of the newest products of Andrade¡¯s CRC Keiki, the educational extension of the Coastal Research Collaborative which is led by Chip Fletcher in the UH ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹ (SOEST).
Supporting stewardship and future leaders
Andrade¡¯s doctoral research focuses on using beachrock to reconstruct sea-level history in Â鶹´«Ã½. Understanding past sea-level fluctuations provides context for understanding modern trends and anticipating future changes. In Â鶹´«Ã½, sea-level rise has already resulted in chronic coastal erosion, loss of cultural and ecological landscapes, and threats to freshwater aquifers and nearshore ecosystems.
“If children grow up connected to their environment, as a valuable part of their communities, they learn how to m¨¡lama ʻ¨¡¾±²Ô²¹, how to have their voices heard, and how to stand for what they love,” said Andrade when asked about the importance of involving children in environmental stewardship activities. “These are lifelong values that shape who they become and how they lead.”
As stewards of their coastline, students from Kaʻaʻawa Elementary started a dune restoration project. And recently, CRC Keiki participated in a coastal education workshop where second graders from Kaʻaʻawa taught first graders from ³¢¨¡ʻ¾±±ð Elementary about coastal erosion and m¨¡lama ʻ¨¡¾±²Ô²¹.
The students also created artwork that can be viewed in the titled “How do we love and protect our beaches?” Their pieces reflect their learning and connection to place.
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