Earth Week
Culture
Earth Week Blog Posts
Earth Day is a day set aside to recognize the importance of taking care of our planet, or as we call it in Hawaiʻi, mālama hōnua (taking care of the earth).
History
This week, people around the world will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, an international acknowledgment of the need to protect and preserve the planet we call home. In Hawaiʻi, the concept of caring for the land is well-known as mālama ʻāina. Mālama ʻāina takes many forms across different communities in Hawaiʻi, but at its core is a connection to place and family.
We all have a part to play in caring for our home, so how will you mālama ʻāina this week? In this gallery, learn about how Bishop Museum Education staff worked with Kākoʻo ʻŌiwi at their Heʻeia site to mālama ʻāina and learn more about the significance of the ʻāina called Hoi.
Mahalo a nui loa to our friends at Kākoʻo ʻŌiwi for hosting us and allowing us learn from you and from the ʻāina for which you care for so greatly. Learn more about Kākoʻo ʻŌiwi.
Click on each image to learn more.
Planetarium
International Space Station: Pass May 14
Use this map to see where to look for the next evening bright pass of the International Space Station over Hawai‘i! Other passes may be visible, but they are not as bright or are in the early morning or possibly too close to sunrise or sunset to be as visible. Data is current as of 4/12/2020, but check Heavens-Above.com for updates as it gets closer to May 14th. You can also search for other ISS flyovers. Be sure to set your location to Hawai‘i in the upper right corner!
Listen to this short description of the International Space Station and how to use the Sky Map.
Eyes On Island Earth Part 1
In this Bishop Museum-produced show, learn from the traditional ahupuaʻa land and resource management system about sustainability today and explore why Hawai‘i is a great place to learn about Earth system science through NASA satellites. Designed for grades 3–5, but suitable for all ages. 25 minutes total. See the lesson plans section for lesson extensions about Earth System Science and the International Space Station.
Eyes On Island Earth Part 2
In this Bishop Museum-produced show, learn from the traditional ahupuaʻa land and resource management system about sustainability today and explore why Hawai‘i is a great place to learn about Earth system science through NASA satellites. Designed for grades 3–5, but suitable for all ages. 25 minutes total. See the lesson plans section for lesson extensions about Earth System Science and the International Space Station.
NOAA Science On a Sphere Explorer App
Do you love our Science On a Sphere exhibit in the Planetarium Lobby? We do too, and now you can explore it on your own mobile device or tablet! Explore visuals of climate data, see information about our oceans, and learn about other planets or the sun. Over 100 different datasets are available. For a guided experience, you can find lesson ideas and more here: https://sos.noaa.gov/sos-explorer/sosx-mobile-uses-and-resources/
NASA Globe Observer App
Be a citizen scientist! Download this free app to your phone or tablet, create a free account, and follow the tutorials. Help NASA scientists gather more accurate data on their satellite observations by providing ground-based observations they can use to make the data better. NASA collects data about the atmosphere, including cloud cover, to help build better models for things like predicting the weather and tracking changes to climate over time.
NASA Climate Science Interactives
Explore information collected by NASA on our changing global climate through interactive activities, photos, real satellite data, quizzes, and more! All for free.
NASA Pollution Satellite Data
Can you observe a decrease in pollution levels during the COVID-19 pandemic? Take a look for yourself!
The Pale Blue Dot by Carl Sagan
At the suggestion of Carl Sagan, on February 14, 1990 NASA engineers turned the Voyager 1 space probe around for one last look at the Earth as it sped towards the fringes of our solar system. From a distance of about four billion miles, Voyager 1 caught Earth suspended in a ray of sunlight, appearing as a pale blue dot about 0.12 pixels in size in the image. Of the image, Dr. Sagan points out, “To me, it underscores our responsibility to deal more kindly with one another, and to preserve and cherish the pale blue dot, the only home we’ve ever known.”
Science
Celebrate earth week with these science-based activities.
Mapping your World Activity
Observe the diverse terrestrial landscape of our planet in this data collection activity! Take your keen eyes to the outdoors to map your world like a scientist or satellite. Extended activities and resources included.
Making a Pressed Plant Activity
Make some eco-friendly art at home with your keiki with this pressed plant instruction kit!
Ocean Plastics Video
Watch and learn about garbage patches of the ocean and how you can make a difference today!
Be a Part of Our Story
Celebrate the extraordinary history, culture, and environment of Hawaiʻi and the Pacific with a gift to Bishop Museum. As a partner in the Museum’s work, you can help to sustain vital collections, research, and knowledge, and inspire exploration and discovery with a tax-deductible donation.
