Students in School of Teacher Education (STE) Cohort 407 participated in a huakaiʻi (excursion) at Dolphin Quest Oʻahu. The 14 teacher candidates prepped for the huakaiʻi in STE 317 (level 3 elementary field experience) and STE 323 (elementary science) by drafting a science lesson plan about marine life or sustainability, enacting it in the field, and then reflecting on how it went.

The lesson included group rotations in which candidates rotated through three centers: (1) comparing and contrasting dolphins and sharks, (2) training dolphins and understanding animal behavioral psychology, and (3) observing the length of different marine animals.

Candidates also touched baleen left by a whale and learned that all dolphins are whales, but not all whales are dolphins. Centers honed in on specific Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) to exemplify how teacher candidates may teach K–6 students about marine life, sustainability, and measurement using culturally-responsive pedagogy in outdoor settings.

During dolphin encounters, candidates were able to touch, feed, and examine the dolphins as trainers supported the dolphins in completing tricks. Candidates were able to touch different parts of the dolphins and learn about dolphins’ panoramic vision, skin texture, and unique fingerprints on their dorsal fins.

The huakiʻi concluded with an invitation for candidates to share what they learned with their students in the field. Melissa Checco of Dolphin Quest ‘Oahu invited teacher candidates to bring their elementary students for a future visit. The idea is that candidates will teach a three-part lesson where they will enact an NGSS lesson to their students in the field, visit Dolphin Quest ‘Oahu with their field classrooms, then teach another NGSS lesson after the Dolphin Quest huakai’i to culminate the theme.

Teacher Candidates said…

“The experience was both engaging and educational. I had just completed a lesson with my students where they compared and contrasted sharks and dolphins, so it was nice to reflect on things I can add to future lessons to be more hands-on as a way to engage all students.” ~  Rebecca Pyfrom

“This experience was eye-opening. We explored center rotations that could easily apply to many different NGSS standards. I look forward to incorporating many of the different center rotations and new information in the future scene lessons in the field.” ~ Angel Ching

“Getting to interact with the dolphins was a highlight. The trainers were amazing! It was clear how much they malama and love the dolphins. This experience got me thinking about how easy it is to weave NGSS standards into lessons and reminded me how effective smaller stations can be for learning. I am excited to start planning a future field trip to Dolphin Quest ‘Oahu for my class.” ~ Marissa Young

“As a teacher candidate, visiting Dolphin Quest was an incredible experience. I was impressed by the place-based learning approach, where students engage in rotating centers, each tied to NGSS standards and thoughtfully crafted lesson plans. The use of outdoor spaces made learning dynamic and hands-on. I also appreciated the focus on conservation and sustainability, teaching both students and visitors how we can actively help protect our oceans and marine life. The trainers were highly knowledgeable, and I could easily see students staying engaged and excited throughout the entire trip.” ~ Lauren Rill