The Culinary Garden of Waimea Middle School
Since 2005, Mālaʻai has led place based, hands-on learning with a strong cultural component.
Our garden primarily serves the students at Waimea Middle School, an incredibly diverse group hailing from North Hawaii. We provide in-person and virtual instruction through a variety of classes including Health and PE, Business and Practical Arts, Social Studies, Ike Hawaii, Science, and others on a project basis. We also offer after school programs and summer internships for current students or alumni. Our garden is also part of the Hawaii School Peace Garden network, contributing to a feeling of safety and peace for our students and campus.
Check out our most recent blog posts, videos, lessons and recipes!
“Iʻd rather be outside getting dirty than in the classroom!”
- WMS 6th Grade Student
We develop activities and curriculum for students that support classroom instruction and creates more engaged, motivated students. When students come out with their science, social studies, or enrichment classes, this is what the average day in the garden looks like:
Students come directly to the garden and chant into the garden as protocol
2 Minutes of kilo - observation in silence
Opening Circle and observations
Mini-lesson relating the to class subject to garden concepts
Introduction to the Daily Reflection or ʻōlelo noʻeau
Introduction to Garden care for the day
Get your garden job
Get your tools
Get to work
Clean up
Final circle - share your reflection