Polynesian introduced, endemic, and indigenous plants

THEME: The Living Soil–The Living Plant: We are all Interconnected and Related
STRAND: Science of Living Plants
GRADE LEVEL: K-2

Key Concepts

Identify and name main forest trees (koa, ʻohiʻa) and canoe crops (banana, kalo, ‘uala, kō, ulu, ʻolena, ti leaf).

Recognize that plants have arrived at different times in different ways: waves, wind, and wings.

Lesson

Teacher conducts a guided garden walk; identify introduced, endemic, and indigenous plants.

Conduct a biodiversity scavenger hunt.
K2.2.17

Investigate how plants arrived in Hawaii. Seeds are dispersed (wind, water, wings).

Harvest and prepare native plants for a craft, cordage, food, medicine, beverage, or lei.
K2.2.18

Activity

Students identify and share information on what kinds of different plants grow in their own yards.