Students Track an Ocean Voyage

In my post, How an Ocean's Journey Inspires One School, I highlighted the worldwide voyage of the Hokule'a, a replica of an ancient double-hulled voyaging canoe and encouraged teachers and students to follow the journey. I also promised periodic updates and resources. Here is the first update and link to resources for students and teachers across the world:

The Polynesian Voyaging Society has created a pilot education program tracking the maiden voyage of Hikianalia -- the brand new sister canoe for Hokule'a -- as she voyages from Aotearoa to Hawai'i. The Hikianalia will serve as the companion vessel during the worldwide voyage. She is a 21st century and ancient double-hulled voyaging canoe hybrid -- powered not only by wind but solar power, too.

Hikianalia set sail on October 9th from Auckland, New Zealand on her maiden voyage, from Aotearoa to Hawai'i. On Oct. 25, Hikianalia completed the first leg to Tahiti, and began sailing north to Hawai'i on November 1st making landfall in Hilo.

The voyage website also includes a voyage blog, questions and answers from the crew, and a very cool map that tracks Hikianalia's journey in real time. Students and teachers can also participate in project by following the Hikianalia voyage.

The Hikianalia pilot educational program is the first step towards launching the "Education Canoe" that will accompany Hokule'a and Hikianalia on the worldwide voyage. This is a great way to connect your students with geography, science, mathematics, environmental, and ecological issues facing our world in a very authentic and relevant manner.

If you are interested in connecting your community, school, and students with this exciting, educational adventure, you can visit here and share your contact information.

If you leverage this worldwide voyage in your classroom and/or develop lesson plans, projects or units using the Hokule'a as a theme, please share your ideas by adding comments to this post.