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Teacher and Course Information

Mr. Layne Richards
Science

Welina mai kakou.
I am Kumu Layne Richards and I teach Biology, Environmental Science, Ethnobotany, Senior Seminar in Science & Natural Resources, and 11th grade Ke ‘Ano advisory. I am also the club advisor for Ahi Kanana, a natural resource awareness organization and the lead teacher for the Science and Natural Resources Academy. I am originally from Hau`ula, O‘ahu, and moved to Hawai‘i Island in 2004. I am also a graduate of Kamehameha Schools. I also participated in two fellowships: First Nations graduate fellowship with Stanford University and Leadership for Educational Entrepreneurs with Arizona State University.

Course Overview

The primary content course I presently teach is Biology. The year long course is a graduation requirement for all students and the completion of the science requirement at our campus. This course follows a year each of Chemistry and Physics and builds upon basic science fundamentals emphasized in previous courses. Biology is an intensive study of biological concepts and fundamentals with an emphasis on local ecology, ethnobotany, and its importance to Native Hawaiians. Course activities will include field study, laboratory work, and incorporation of cutting-edge biotechnology methods and current research.

Environmental Science and Ethnobotany are semester long courses and are both courses in the Science & Natural Resources Academy. These courses do not have any pre-requisite coursework, although students who complete a year of biology will be able to relate to the coursework more comfortably.

Also a semester course, Senior Seminar will provide an opportunity for all senior students interested in the Science and Natural Resources Academy to explore the field in depth through a self-designed project that will have authentic application to other science coursework, shadowing and/or mentoring experiences, and the broader community. Seminar is a graduation requirement.

Instructors Philosophy of Education

"Ku i ka Mana: To stand firmly in that which you are taught" My education philosophy is constantly evolving. At my core, I am honored to teach and cherish the opportunity I have to influence and inspire native Hawaiian youth. I am a life-long learner and encourage all students to always be open to new ideas and different perspectives. There are many different and exciting paths that we try to consider, journey on, or forge as learners. The importance of family, community, the environment, and culture are major factors that drive my educational views.

"`A`ole pau ka `ike i ka halau ho`okahi: Not all knowledge is gained or learned in just one place" Similar to this `olelo no`eau, I believe that there are many sources for learning. Not everyone learns in the same way. This diversity adds to the collective learning of the whole. I feel that my kuleana is to give students the chance to shine. I am able to provide another way to view the world, while helping them to honor their own unique experiences and perspectives. I never see my job as telling haumana what to think, but rather to expose them to a wide variety of perspectives and give them the opportunity of choosing for themselves.

Education and Background Experience

Prior to teaching at the Hawai‘i campus, I helped to found Halau Ku Mana Hawaiian Charter School on O`ahu, and have worked for Na Pua No`eau, Office of Hawaiian Affairs Education division, University of Hawai`i at Manoa, and Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon. I have also participated in the Leadership for Educational Entrepreneurs at Arizona State University and taught for Kamehameha Summer Science Institute in Organic Chemistry for 8 years at Kapalama.