The Math Teachers’ Circle at Hawai‘i (MaTCH) welcomes University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu students to attend its free culture-focused and placed-based workshop this month on the tidal islands of Ke‘ehi, off the south shore of O‘ahu.
The Summer 2024 MaTCH Workshop will be 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, July 18, and Friday, July 19, in the Ke‘ehi region, where the papa (reef) of Ke‘ehi will form the foundation of the in-person event that organizers say will ignite inspiration for participants.
“This outdoor classroom will help to connect participants with their place, sense of belonging, and cultural pride,” said Dr. Veny Liu, Associate Professor in Mathematics at UH West O‘ahu. “Participants will also learn the history of the place and environmental preservation.”
The event is funded by the National Science Foundation and presented by MaTCH, a professional organization of mathematicians, educators, and mathematics educators, in collaboration with community partner Mauliola Ke‘ehi, a Hawaiian culture-focused, placed-based education program steeped in rich history that provides transformative healing through culture and art.
The workshop will be guided by by Kumu Kehaulani Kupihea, cultural practitioner with Mauliola Ke‘ehi, and UH West O‘ahu alumni Cleary Kaahanui and Justine Mae Guerrero.
The Summer 2024 MaTCH Workshop — for UH West O‘ahu students, and in-service and pre-service teachers — will introduce the history and the cultural significance of the Ke‘ehi region; establish participants’ understanding of the ahupua‘a (watershed land division) and how kūpuna (ancestors) of Native Hawaiians optimize nature to sustainably produce food; help participants assimilate math modeling of the place and design a classroom activity; and more.
The Summer 2024 MaTCH Workshop is free and limited to up to 30 participants. Meals are included and stipends are available ($100 for one day participation or $250 for both days). Those interested in attending, register here. For more information, click here or email venyliu@hawaii.edu.