HNS Researchers Visit the Aquarium, Palolo Stream, and Makapu’u Tide Pools [Week 4]

This week was a whirlwind for the Researchers.  We got to see the animals used to educate visitors to the Waikiki Aquarium on Monday. We became nature conservationists by removing invasive species in Palolo Stream on Tuesday. Lastly, we got to see ocean animals in their natural environment at the Makapu’u tide pools.

At the aquarium, the Researchers learned how aquarium staff interact with the animals so that they don’t attack other fish or species in the tanks. They also got the opportunity to handle hermit crabs and feel the spines of non-poisonous sea urchins. 

At the Palolo stream, we teamed up with Mr. Cory and Ms. Kelly to remove invasive stream fish as well as protect our natural and native stream fish.  The students helped to classify fish as invasive or native. Native fish were released back to the stream while invasive fish were given to local farmers to turn into fertilizer.  

On Friday, the Researchers headed out to the Makapu’u tide pools. They inspected natural tide pools in the sand and found fish and crabs. {Don’t worry; at the end of the day they were returned back to their homes).  They also learned that humans are a part of the problem as well as part of the solution for the habitats or environments around us. We need to do what we can to help protect and conserve natural environments as well as help to reduce invasive species. Lastly the Researchers can not wait for spirit week and water play, but also our basketball game against the Little Journalists next week.  Until next time, stay cool and ask your kids about their nature adventures!