Skip to Main Content

'Iolani School Archives: Considering 'Iolani History -- An Exhibition Experience

The ‘Iolani School Archives collects, organizes, preserves and provides access to historical records of ‘Iolani School.

 


Click to enlarge.

Teaching with Primary Sources

*Also see the Teaching and Primary Sources box in the Links tab of this guide.

                Content disclaimer

Considering 'Iolani History -- An Exhibition Experience

My Life, My Island, My World Faculty!

Your course offers grades 7 and 8 students critical time to evaluate current events and social issues and reflect upon ways they may be meaningful contributors, as individuals, to their community. Currently, one of their communities in which they spend a majority of their time is our school. This exhibition experience will give students the opportunity to reflect upon the school's values throughout its history and how that connects to their own personal character and values.
Course Catalogue description:

MY LIFE, MY ISLAND, MY WORLD (Grades 7–8, one semester) begins with an investigation of some of the most pressing social issues, particularly in our island home of Hawai‘i. Students will address these dilemmas by asking critical questions, thinking beyond current models, recognizing connections, and working collaboratively to develop possible solutions. Students will explore their own value systems and ethical decision-making as the foundation for understanding what it truly means to be of service to their community. Prerequisites: None. May repeat for credit.

 

Grade: 7 - 8

 

Location: ʻIolani School Archives

 

Time allotted: 45 min

  • Welcome & Introduction = 15 min
  • School History & Values = 10 min
  • Viewing of Exhibit = 10 min
  • Questions & Closing = 10

 

Welcome & Introduction

  • What is an archive?
    • types of materials
      • books / photographs / videos, etc
      • rare / unique vs. mass produced
    • organization - archive vs. library
      • creator vs subject
      • aggregate & context
    • focus / specialty
      • "Context Funnel" gif
  • What is an archivist?
  • Questions?

 

School History & Values

  • King Kamehameha IV & Queen Emma
    • Servant-leaders
    • care for and empower the people of the Kingdom
    Church of England mission and schools; Queen's Hospital; ex: Col. Curtis Iaukea
  • School Motto
    • What is the school motto?
    • to live the "One Team" way, we need to have certain values and personal character traits
      • Teamwork - what does it mean?
        willing to work together & help each other
      • Humility - what does it mean?
        willing to acknowledge the merit of others' ideas and feelings; needed in teamwork and to avoid being boastful
      • Perseverance - what does it mean?
        willing to work to reach a goal; hard work to get through homework and difficult classes; playing all-out in the big game; learning intricate notes on sheet music; and so many more examples.

 

Viewing of the ʻIolani History exhibit

  • Instructions - In a moment you will be viewing the ʻIolani History exhibit; while you look, notice where you see teamwork, humility, and perseverance.
    We will regather so that you can share your observations with me and the rest of the class

 

Questions & Closing

  • Where in the exhibit did you see examples of teamwork, humility, perseverance?
    • teamwork - team photos; students holding banner encouraging teams; One Team, Bray, horseshoe, Hamada; championships
    • humility - King & Queen; not being boastful in victory and other achievement
    • perseverance - WWII; COVID; Keables' grading demanded perseverance
  • Did you see any other values?
  • Any questions?

 

If time allows

  • Environemental and pest considerations
  • Closed stacks and horseshoe viewing

Important Questions in the Study of Primary Sources infographic

(Click to enlarge.)

Thanks for reviewing a draft of
"Important Questions" go to
Dr. Melissa Perkins,
'Iolani School History Faculty
2021 Hawai'i History Teacher of the Year

(Click to enlarge.)