Lanikai Science Squad; STEM-In-Action Grant

Aloha!

 

We are the Lanikai Science Squad from Kailua on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. In fall 2016, we were seventh grade students who formed an eCYBERMISSION team because we care about our environment. Our project identified a community problem: 98 percent of Hawaiian farms are using synthetic pesticides on their crops. We created an alternative to synthetic pesticides by making our own organic pest control. It’s a low-cost replacement, and uses natural ingredients including garlic, Hawaiian chili pepper and neem oil.

 

We realized that teaching our generation about organic gardening is a step towards protecting our environment, so we applied for a grant to have the opportunity to educate and distribute Organic Garden Starter Kits. Our eCYBERMISSION grant has enabled us to distribute four hundred kits to local schools and events. Each kit contains four packets of organic seeds, soil pellets, pots, plant markers, spray bottle and an instruction/informational brochure.

Our team assembled the kits and prepared them for our first delivery to Kailua Intermediate, where we attend school. Students have the opportunity to grow their own plants and send us pictures to post on our website. Our website has great videos to explore and our Instagram has content as well: @dontpanicgroworganic.

 

We also delivered kits to Ka’ohao School and had the opportunity to speak with students about the importance of gardening, growing and choosing organic. We have three additional distribution locations and cannot wait to talk with more students in regards to growing organic and keeping pesticides out of our oceans, streams and canals. We hope this helps our island, and makes the world a better place.

 

We are the future of Hawaii, and we want everyone to know -- DON’T PANIC, GROW ORGANIC!

 

Mahalo,

Lanikai Science Squad