•A Family Garden for Nature
A Family Garden for Nature by Gayle OlsonEach year we look forward to creating a special habitat for for all of our wild and natural friends. Spring has arrived and we have been busy welcoming the season by preparing the garden for all of our summer visitors.Anyone can create a garden - even you! When some people think about gardening, they think they need a lot of space or a big back yard. Even if you live in an apartment and have no yard at all, you can still create your own natural space...
•Cool Camouflage
Cool Camouflage by Gayle OlsonCamouflage comes from the French word camouflager which means to "blind or veil". Some insects and animals use camouflage as an effective way to protect themselves from natural enemies. Birds, bats, moles, frogs and other animals consider some insects to be a very tasty treat. Insects protect themselves in many ways, one of these ways is by disguising themselves so that they blend into their surroundings. Some caterpillars and walkingstick insects are...
•Exploring the Universe with Dr. Norio Kaifu
Exploring the Universe with Dr. Norio Kaifu by Gayle OlsonDuring 1998 we were fortunate to attend a dinner hosted by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawaii, featuring a lecture by Dr. Norio Kaifu. Professor Kaifu is the director of the Subaru Telescope, National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) and has held the position as vice president of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) since 1997. A specialist in radio astronomy, infrared astronomy and interstellar...
•Fall Bird Migration
Fall Bird Migration by Gayle OlsonFall is the time of the year when many birds are busy preparing for the long journey to their winter homes. Migration is the movement of birds and other animals from one home to another. Some birds will fly thousands of miles to reach their winter homes!Birds begin the journey to their winter homes before the food supply in the north runs out. Day length and temperature plays a part in triggering the birds' internal seasonal clocks. Shorter and cooler days...
•Great Inventions: The Internet
Great Inventions: The Internet by Gayle OlsonBack in the 1950s the only computers to be found were enormous mainframe computers. These massive machines filled entire rooms and cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. They were very complicated and difficult to run. There was no such thing as a personal computer for use at home. These early computers could only be found in government buildings, large corporations, and universities.It took many years and technological evolution to make it...
•Hawaii Volcanoes
Hawaii Volcanoes by Gayle OlsonThe Island of Hawaii is made up of five volcanoes. Each began to grow beneath the sea and eventually joined to form a single island. The volcanoes grew from a hotspot beneath the sea. The chain of volcanoes were created as the Pacific Plate moved northwestward over the hotspot. Kohala was the first to emerge from the sea followed by Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, Kilauea, and Loihi. Activity has ceased at Kohala and now the most activity has been occurring at Kilauea...
•Ho'omana - Hawaiian Gods
Ho'omana - Hawaiian Gods by Gayle OlsonMany examples of the land and its creatures represented gods, or akua to the Hawaiian. The tree, plants, stones, animals, and human beings were just a few examples, each akua had a special name with certain attributes.The four great gods of the Polynesian system were Ku, Kane, Kanaloa, and Lono; each possessing particular powers and duties.Ku - architect and builderKu was the great god presiding over war. Human sacrifices were made to him in temples...
•Hurricane Fact Sheet
Hurricane Fact Sheet by Gayle OlsonHurricane Fact SheetA hurricane is a large whirling storm that usually measures 200 to 500 miles (320 to 800 km) across.On the average each year, six Atlantic hurricanes occur.Sustained winds of 100-150 mph (160-240 km/h) occur with a typical hurricane. Some winds may exceed 200 mph (320 km/h).The eye of the hurricane averages 14-25 miles (22-40 km) across. The eye is quite calm as compared to the winds in the eye wall.The winds of the hurricane spin in a...
•Kamehameha - The Young Warrior
Kamehameha - The Young Warrior by Gayle OlsonAs Kamehameha reached manhood events unfolded which would further direct him towards his destiny of greatness. King Alapai died and was succeeded by the king's son Keaweaopala. The new ruler was not suited for the role. His subjects neither respected nor were loyal to Keaweaopala and they rebelled against him. The rebellion first began in Ka'u, where High Chief Kalaniopuu led the opposing forces. Keaweaopala was killed at Kealakekua Bay following...
•Schools - Green and Clean
Schools - Green and Clean by Gayle OlsonNow that you are settled back at school it is a good time to think about how you can help the planet by making your classroom and school environmentally friendly. Here are some ideas to get you started: --------------------------------------------------------------------------------Start a program to save the trees. Did you know that paper comes from trees? Take good care of your books and they will last longer so other students will be able to use...
•The Temple on the Hill of the Whale
The Temple on the Hill of the Whale by Gayle OlsonPu'ukohola Heiau, located on the northwestern coast of the Island of Hawaii, represents one of the last major sacred structures built in Hawaii before traditional life was forever changed by outside influences. Kamehameha constructed the temple in 1790-1791, he had been successful in conquering Maui, Lanai and Molokai. At this time he had not yet claimed full possession to his home island of Hawaii. His cousin Keoua Kuahu'ula remained his...
•Trolls and Norfins
Trolls and Norfins by Gayle OlsonThese lucky little dolls with the funny little faces and wild hair were born many years ago in a town in northern Jutland, Denmark. In 1951, Thomas Dam began carving little wooden trolls, while his wife and daughter began making stuffed toy trolls. In 1959 the Dam family began a factory, making little vinyl trolls.Each model was designed and made in wax which was covered with copper to create the mold for the little creatures. Thomas Dam continued to design...
•Volcano Hospitality
Volcano Hospitality by Gayle OlsonKilauea volcano has for quite some time has enticed and fascinated visitors. Since the mid-1800s, The Volcano House Hotel has sat on the edge of Kilauea caldera. Between the years of 1865-1955 the hotel maintained a register which has recorded the experience and wonder of Pele's domain. A lesson in geology and human nature, the amusing entries chronicle the lengths an adventurer might go to experience a natural wonder. The guest book first appeared in 1865....
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