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University of Hawaii Expands STEM Resources for Teachers with Toolkits for Teachers Lending Library

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As the new school year approaches, the University of Hawaii System STEM Pre-Academy is expanding its Toolkits for Teachers Lending Library, offering Hawaii K-12 educators a diverse range of free, hands-on STEM resources for classroom use. The program features nearly 100 toolkits and equipment, including 3D printers, robotics kits, microscopes, cameras, and specialized kits on topics like ocean acidification, renewable energy, and DNA extraction.

Key Takeaways:

  • The University of Hawaii System STEM Pre-Academy is expanding its Toolkits for Teachers Lending Library, which offers free, hands-on STEM resources for classroom use, ahead of the 2025-26 school year.
  • The lending library features nearly 100 toolkits and equipment covering science, technology, engineering, and math topics, including 3D printers, robotics kits, microscopes, cameras, and specialized kits on ocean acidification, renewable energy, and DNA extraction.
  • Teachers can borrow educational guides, ecological kits, and maker tools that encourage inquiry-based learning and real-world scientific investigation.
  • The UH STEM Pre-Academy is working to expand the collection and increase awareness, with the goal of providing more teachers with access to these resources.
  • The program is showcasing UH research projects, with toolkits created by UH researchers in areas such as microbial oceanography, engineering, and ocean and earth science and technology.
  • Teachers can access the toolkits through the UH STEM Pre-Academy website and are encouraged to contact the office to arrange borrowing and confirm availability.

Statistics:

  • Nearly 100 toolkits and equipment are available for borrowing through the Toolkits for Teachers Lending Library.
  • The lending library covers science, technology, engineering, and math topics.
  • Over a dozen years, UH STEM Pre-Academy resources such as the wave tank, rain chamber, and hydroponic system have been instrumental for educators like Randall Shinn, a curriculum coach at 'Ilima Intermediate School.

Sources:

  • University of Hawaii news release
  • Lauren Kaupp, UH STEM Pre-Academy Director
  • Randall Shinn, curriculum coach at 'Ilima Intermediate School

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