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Koa Constrictors: Studying Things That Slow the Growth of Koa Crop Trees

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Koa is one of the most valued of tropical woods. A particular type of koa tree, called Acacia koa, is found in the Hawaiian Islands. The wood from this tree is used to create furniture, cabinets, carved bowls, canoes, surfboards, body boards, ukuleles, and guitars. Unfortunately, the future demand for koa wood will not be met unless better ways are found to grow koa crop trees today.

Welcome to the Hawai'i-Pacific Islands edition

Note to Educators

Cultural Essay Lesson Plan

Reflection Section Answer Guide

• Anatomy of a Tree--Arbor Day Foundation

  For more information visit http://www.arborday.org/treeguide/anatomy.cfm

• Building ancient koa wood surfboards

  For more information visit http://www.clubofthewaves.com/surf-culture/ancient-hawaiian-board-building.php

• Gallery of koa tree photos by Dr. J.B. Friday

  For more information visit https://www.flickr.com/photos/jbfriday/

• History of the Polynesian Voyaging Society

  For more information visit http://www.pvs-hawaii.com/about_pvshistory.htm

• Koa Ethnobotany information: Bishop Museum

  For more information visit http://data.bishopmuseum.org/ethnobotanydb/ethnobotany.php?b=d&ID=koa

• Using Polynesian noninstrument navigation

  For more information visit http://www.pvs-hawaii.com/navigation/summary.htm

• Dr. J.B. Friday
• Dr. Travis Idol
• Dr. Dean Meason
• Mr. Paul Scowcroft

• Characteristics of Scientists
• Scientific Topics

• Endemic species
• Sustainability

• Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry (A)
• Natural hazards (F)
• Nature of science (G)
• Populations and ecosystems (C)
• Populations, resources and environments (F)
• Regulation and behavior (C)
• Reproduction and heredity (C)
• Science as a human endeavor (G)
• Structure of the earth system (D)
• Understandings about science and technology (E)
• Understandings about scientific inquiry (A)