There are so many ways to learn and explore. Try these other ideas:

Technology—Whether you’re building a toothpick bridge, experimenting with robotics, or more, you can be a techie and innovate with your passion.

Reading—Get cozy with your favorite novel, or read up on just about any topic. There’s a whole new world to be discovered in every book.

Not Exactly You?

Everyone has their own substance.
If science doesn’t sound
like yours, you can explore more
options below.

Take the quiz to discover your substance and find out what
motivates you.

Check out these other substances:

Get inspired by our Voices With Substance— learn about people from Hawai‘i who have found their substance.

Get Moving

Just go out there and explore science at your school, community and more:

  • Science Fairs are a great way to show others your science knowledge: Every February, Honolulu District schools partner with Kapiolani Community College to hold the Honolulu District Science Fair
  • Growing, caring for, and studying plants (botany) is science, too! Visit a botanical garden to check out all of the different plants both native and indigenous to Hawaii:
  • Honolulu Botanical Gardens
  • Kauai Botanical Gardens
  • Na ‘Aina Kai
  • Take a trip to Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center: A world-class, interactive, participatory learning environment designed to inspire the young and “young-at-heart” to new heights of learning and discovery
  • Take a trip to Bishop Museum: It has multiple exhibits and is recognized throughout the world for scientific research, educational programs, and extensive collections which give voice to the stories of Hawaii and the Pacific
  • Check out Mauna Kea: The 4,200-meter high summit of Mauna Kea in Hawaii houses the world’s largest observatory for optical, infrared, and submillimeter astronomy. Can’t visit in-person? Check out their webcams!
  • Check out the Hokulani Imaginarium at Windward Community College: A high-tech, 40-foot dome planetarium with 66 seats equipped with an interactive control panel so you can actively interact with the visual display on the screen above you

Stay Focused

Focus on science, keep improving, and have fun as you set and fulfill goals:

  • Thinking of studying science in college? High school classes to help you prepare include: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Environmental Science
  • The Keaholoa STEM Program at UH Hilo offers tutoring, outreach and internships to promote science, technology, engineering and math education: Their outreach program helps youth build a strong sense of identity, raise career goals and educational aspirations, and provides meaningful learning experiences for its participants
  • Interested in medicine? The Summer High School Student Research Apprenticeship Program of Tropical Medicine/School of Medicine is a great way to introduce yourself to the field: 10-12th grade students are paired with a University faculty member to assist with and conduct health-related research over eight weeks. After completing the research, students have the opportunity to attend a national symposium in Washington, DC to present their findings along with other high school students from other states
  • Check out Isis Hawaii, an online mentoring resource for women and girls: High school girls interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are able to receive one-on-one mentorship from a local professional in their desired industry! Who would know better than someone who is already in the field?
  • Do you feel like you need more than what your high school offers? Talent Development Hawai‘i at UH Manoa is a summer program for gifted high school students: This program introduces students to courses beyond the school’s curriculum, including mathematics, computer science, science in space, robotics, ocean engineering, even French! Scholarships for students with financial needs are available
  • Ask your school’s science teachers if they know of any opportunities to become involved with science: Your teacher may know of local organizations looking for students’ help, or may even have a special project they need your help with!
  • Learn about Aquaponics: A self-sustaining and increasingly popular method to grow your own plants and produce
  • Take courses at a college: There are programs that offer classes for high school students who are ready for an introduction to college. Many of these programs provide hands-on learning opportunities as well as access to university faculty and research
  • Grades 9-12: Enroll in Science in Action at UH Manoa! Explore science fields like botany, oceanography and marine biology through hands-on activities and field trips; or become inspired to pursue a healthcare career in a world-class medicine school environment
  • Grades 10-11: Join the Summer Scholar Program at UH Manoa and earn college credits for six weeks in the summer. Participants can register for summer courses and experience the college environment while still in high school

Get Involved

Great minds think alike. Connect and work with other people who like science as you reach your dream:

  • Help protect forested watersheds with Hawaii Watershed
  • There are so many career choices in the field of science: Start to narrow your choices by looking into more information about your interests, or even try out an internship
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