Stream Remediation

Lesson Overview:

 Students design, fabricate, and test a biomimicry-inspired fishing lure to help reduce the impact of invasive Smallmouth Bass in Hawaiian freshwater streams. Through field-based data collection, CAD modeling, and iterative testing, students apply engineering design to support stream remediation and native species protection.

Lesson Scenario:

 Freshwater streams in the Waikīkī ahupuaʻa, including Mānoa Stream, have been heavily impacted by urbanization and invasive species. Community partners have identified Smallmouth Bass as a major threat to native stream organisms.

 Your team has been invited to work as engineers and environmental problem-solvers alongside local scientists and community partners. Your challenge is to design and fabricate a fishing lure that effectively targets invasive bass while minimizing harm to native species, supporting ongoing stream remediation efforts.

Lesson or Unit Objectives:

 Students will be able to:

• • Investigate Hawaiian freshwater stream ecosystems, including native and invasive species
  • Analyze ecological data collected from field sites with community partners
  • Apply principles of biomimicry to design a fishing lure targeting an invasive species
  • Use 3D CAD and/or physical modeling to prototype a lure design
  • Fabricate lure molds using 3D printing and injection molding
  • Test and evaluate lure performance using defined success criteria
  • Communicate design decisions and justify solutions based on ecological and engineering evidence

Age Level or Subject:

• • Grade 9-12, Marin Science, Environmental Science, Engineering Design, Technology, STEM 

Lesson Plan Download

HI TRAILS DBAIT 7 E Lesson 1 Kuwahara, Pavao, Sandvig

HI TRAILS DBAIT 7 E Lesson 2 Kuwahara, Pavao, Sandvig

HI TRAILS DBAIT 7 E Lesson 3 Kuwahara, Pavao, Sandvig

Resources

Lure Biomimicry Lesson #1-3 Kuwahara Sandvig Pavao 

Lure Lesson 1 Resources