Science educator Art Kimura has been named a Living Treasure of Hawaii for his work in the classroom. Photo Credit: PAEMST
I always enjoy sharing the story of an outstanding educator who has worked with young people in our public schools. One of them is high school science teacher Arthur Kimora. He has been designated a Living Treasures of Hawaii for his work in the classroom.
Arthur, who prefers to be called Art, worked as an educator for 48 years. He spent twelve years as a biology teacher, nine years as an aerospace teacher, five years as a school administrator, and 22 years as an education specialist with the Hawaii Space Grant Consortium, University of Hawaii.
Furthermore, Art is a US veteran. He served on active duty for five years in the US Air Force and then 23 years in the Hawaii Air Guard, retiring as a Lt. Colonel.
As for honors and recognition, Art garnered a Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) in 1983; the Phi Beta Kappa; the Biology Teacher of the Year Award; the Civil Air Patrol Crown Circle Award; the Air Force Association Christa McAuliffe Award; and the Living Treasures of Hawaii designation.
Art says that engaging students includes the use of demonstrations, hands on inquiry-based laboratory activities, project-based learning, using a real-world context with a culminating demonstration or challenge, and using community resources and experiences, including global connections and collaboration.
“Consistently, I seek opportunities offered by the community,” says Arthur. For him, examples of this include being the first class to sail on an oceanographic research vessel, serving on the zoo’s education board, and camping and touring at night in the zoo. He has also organized trips to the science center, planned space conferences and our own planetary themed summer camps, and organized experimentation in the field and lab activities.
Art earned his Bachelor’s degree in Zoology and his Master’s degree in Science Education, both from the University of Hawaii.
Arthur Kimura: a true Chalkboard Champion.
