MAAP SCHOOL SCIENCE FAIR
Student Projects Combine Science and Culture

By Pam Legdesog

Students, teachers, parents, and community members gathered at Maap Community School this past spring for the first Science Share-Fair held there. Of particular interest for the community were the student projects that integrate science and culture.

The Yap State Education Enterprising Department has implemented a New Baseline Curriculum for elementary levels that places local language and culture as the core of all learning. The fair provided an excellent opportunity to link science with local contexts.

Student teams presented their projects in their home languages. Among the projects were studies of
erosion in Yap, the varieties of mangroves found on Yap’s shoreline, making local dyes for grass skirts and leis, and fermenting coconut juice.

All students at Maap Community School participated in the fair. Part of Maap’s school improvement plan
included increasing student interest in science and generating community interest in science education.

Maap School Principal Naz Ganangred plans to reschedule next year’s Science Fair to coincide with the Yap State Culture Week activities. He stated, “Community members were pleased to observe how students were connecting their learning at school with our traditional knowledge and skills. That reinforces the focus of our New Baseline Curriculum.”

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