Hawaii Science and Technology Museum

The Special Events and Programs spearheaded a collaboration of STEM industry experts and organizations to provide COVID interventions and educational support. A PSA program aimed at students to help them understand necessary interventions and restrictions at school to minimize the spread of COVID was created. The program provided ongoing STEM education through understanding of the disease and how to best protect oneself from severe infection. The organization worked closely with Hawaii Fire Department to deliver PSA's to schools during Fire Prevention Week. The program reach over 100,000 people across our community.

The Kenyan K. Beals Community Robotics Center (KKBCRC) Program delivered robotics and electronics education and supported the creation of several more robotics programs in the community. Students learn the engineering design process, coding, written and verbal communication skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship. The program expanded with a rocketry league for students to engage in the engineering design process while envisioning themselves in specific engineering roles. Students were placed in teams of four serving roles as electrical engineer, mechanical engineer, propulsion chief, and mission controller. Teams work together to build, test, and launch rockets. Students gained a better understanding of what engineers do and have a terrific time while learning. The program served over 3,000 people.

The Exhibit Hall continued the development of a new science and technology museum in a rural community with underserved populations of minorities. Exhibit hall programming includes STEM subjects and participated in the development and rejuvenation of downtown Hilo by forming collaborations with other museums, nonprofits, and businesses. Outreach programs continue to grow and serve more students and families each year, over 3,000 this fiscal year. Evaluations have been extremely positive.

Other program services include the After School Programs, Educator Support, Hawaii District Science and Engineering Fairs (HDSE), Research and Development, and other Special Events/Programs. These programs have delivered tutoring services, hands-on trade skills programs, STEM education and hands-on application, interventions and public service programs aimed at alleviating the mortality and morbidity of COVID 19 in the community, engaged in research and development to support COVID interventions, and also to develop a STEM workforce pipeline in our community. The organization worked closely with Hawaii Space Flight Laboratory in the delivery of Project Poke, a technical program designed to bring CubeSat technology to the classroom by training teachers in their design and application. Total population served by these programs inclusive of COVID interventions exceeding 10,000 people.