Don't Panic. Grow Organic.

The Lanikai Science Squad Says "Aloha" to Better Pest Control

Aloha!

We are the Lanikai Science Squad from Kailua, Hawaii. Our team wanted to help solve the community problem of synthetic pesticides that are continuing to cause harm to both the people and the environment in Hawaii. Our solution? DON’T PANIC, GROW ORGANIC! We found a less expensive, yet effective, replacement for synthetic pesticide: homemade organic pest control using local ingredients.

Our plan involves educating our generation about organic gardening to protect our environment and we have successfully implemented that plan. With the funds from the eCYBERMISSION STEM-in-Action grant, we created our own Organic Garden Starter Kit. It includes 4 packets of organic seeds, peat pots, peat pellets, plant markers, spray bottle, and informative brochure and book about safe garden practices. We have already distributed 400 of our Organic Garden Starter Kits to both students and adults.

Additionally the Kokua Hawaii Foundation, that was founded by singer Jack Johnson, invited Lanikai Science Squad to present at the We Grow Hawaii event on March 3, 2018 at Iolani School. We were very excited about the possibilities of expanding our educational outreach efforts.

At the Kokua Hawaii Foundation

Lanikai Science Squad would like to thank eCYBERMISSION. This has been an amazing journey for us as evolving young scientists. In the 6^th grade, the organic pest control experiment was a required assignment. In the 7^th grade it was not required, but we wanted to proceed to further test our organic pest control formula in order to help our community be healthier. Then, after winning nationals and being awarded a grant, it catapulted our team to the next level of giving back to our community. DON’T PANIC, GROW ORGANIC! was no longer just a fun slogan, but it became an organic garden kit, a brochure, and a website. Our Organic Garden Starter Kits were something physical to actually plant and grow to benefit our future. We strongly believe that we have made a positive impact on our community to grow and eat healthier foods, and help save Hawaii’s environment.

The reaction has been positively overwhelming and two schools have already requested additional kits! We received praise from the principals as well as gratitude from the students. Our website has full coverage of the photos of plants grown, our team presentations to the community to spread the word about organic gardening, and educational videos.

www.dontpanicgroworganic.org

Mahalo,

Lanikai Science Squad