2016 

UCSD and its partners, the University of Hawai’i, Hilo and the Hawai’i Preparatory Academy, offer this research rich course on the Island of Hawai’i which is an incredible example of many diverse ecosystems located in one place. Students study how the island thrives ecologically, economically, culturally, and socially, via first hand research work at locations throughout the island. Island geology, volcanoes, aquaculture, and marine studies are all experienced through engagement with researchers and island historians. Learning about how the Hawaiian culture is embedded in the knowledge of the natural world and maintaining ecosystem health, will enable students to apply this knowledge in future leadership roles working towards achieving their goals in sustainability education.

Students will keep a journal of the week's activities and will give a presentation on what they learn, including how to apply that knowledge towards being, "A Leader in Caring for the Earth" or, as translated into Hawaiian: Alaka'i i ka Mālama Honua.