​"Exploring Aloha ʻĀina Solutions Toward Sustainability Through the Mālama ʻĀina Field School" is a hybrid course that is designed to give teachers opportunities to explore an ʻāina-based learning course for students in action -- the Mālama ʻĀina Field School (Field School) summer program on Oʻahu, now in its 12th year. The Field School links STEM, English/language arts, social studies, Hawaiian culture and language, and art with an emphasis on Problem-Based Learning, leadership, and service to the community. DOE teachers who successfully complete all requirements of this course are eligible to receive 3-credits through PDE3. 

Course Requirements: 

• Attend a two-hour online introductory session on Monday, June 3, 2024 from 9:00am–11:00am.
• Attend and actively participate in one classroom day during the Mālama ʻĀina Field School Program between June 19 – July 3 from 8:00am–3:00pm at the Kamehameha Schools Community Learning Center in Mā‘ili (CLCM). 
• Attend and actively participate in one field-based huakaʻi during the Mālama ʻĀina Field School Program between June 18 – July 5 from 8:00am–3:00pm at the huakaʻi site (huakaʻi will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the program). Transportation will not be provided.
• Attend the Mālama ʻĀina Field School Hōʻike on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at the Kamehameha Schools CLCM from 8:00am–2:00pm.
• Complete asynchronous assignments.
• Create a digital learning portfolio showcasing your unit outline and two standards-based lessons implemented, including all necessary documents/resources that support each lesson, evidence of student learning, student work samples, assessment, results/reflection pieces, and reflections.
• Complete all program evaluations (pre/post surveys, interviews).

Course Fee: 
The $50 course fee is required after acceptance into this course. This fee covers supplies and lunch on July 10. Checks can be made out to Mālama Learning Center. Credit card payment plus a 3% fee is also an option.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until midnight (HST) on May 26. Space is limited; we encourage you to apply today! Teachers outside of the DOE will be accepted on a space available basis.


If you are seeking credit, please go to the PDE3 website and put yourself on the "waitlist" for this course  IS188739  Section: 313190 in addition to filling out this application form. You will be moved from the waitlist after being accepted into this course and the fee is paid.

For teachers from the "Canoe" district (Maui - Molokaʻi - Lānaʻi), travel stipends may be available based on financial need and funding availability. 

This PDE3 course is a program of the Mālama Learning Center and is made possible with the support of the Hawaiʻi Department of Education, Kamehameha Schools, and AINA-IS program.

Please contact [email protected] for more information or with any questions you may have.