Designing Mākau Through Hawaiian Language and Biomimicry

Lesson Overview:

 Students explore invasive species and ecosystem challenges in Hawaiʻi by using Hawaiian language as the primary lens for learning.

 Through Hawaiian vocabulary, cultural knowledge, and engineering design, students design a mākau (Hawaiian fishing lure) as a response to invasive fish, connecting STEM problem-solving with language, place, and responsibility to the ocean.

Lesson Scenario:

 In Hawaiian coastal and freshwater environments, invasive fish species threaten native ecosystems and traditional ways of interacting with the ocean.

 To understand this problem from a Hawaiian perspective, students use Hawaiian language to learn about native and invasive species, fishing practices, moon cycles, and ecological relationships.

 Students then apply this understanding to design a mākau (fishing lure) that can be used during a Mauka-to-Makai field experience to help address invasive species while honoring cultural values and sustainable practices.

Lesson or Unit Objectives:

 Students will be able to:

• • Use Hawaiian language to describe native (iʻa maoli) and invasive (iʻa ʻōpala) species
  • Understand invasive species as an ecological and cultural issue in Hawaiʻi
  • Learn traditional and contemporary Hawaiian fishing concepts and practices
  • Apply engineering design and biomimicry to create a fishing lure (mākau)
  • Use CAD and 3D printing as tools to realize design ideas
  • Test and reflect on their designs during field-based fishing experiences
  • Articulate their kuleana (responsibility) to care for the ocean and ʻāina 

Age Level or Subject:

• • Grade 8-12, Hawaiian Language I & II, Integrated STEM, Engineering Design, Place-Based

Lesson Plan Download

Kauwila  Lure Lesson Edited on 1_5_2025 LURE HI TRAILS 7 E Unit Plan