Perception of the Sacred: Mauna Kea and the Thirty Meter Telescope

Perception of the Sacred: Mauna Kea and the Thirty Meter Telescope

In this lesson plan, students will learn about the controversy surrounding the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) on the summit of Mauna Kea in Hawaiʻi. The TMT is a large ground-based infrared observatory that is proposed to stand 18-stories high and occupy 8-acres of undeveloped land on the northwest slope of Mauna Kea, a sacred space to many Native Hawaiians. Through a series of reflections, discussions, lectures, and assignments, students explore the connection between colonialism and perception of the sacred using this controversy as a template.

Lesson Objectives

1. Initiate and participate effectively in collaborative discussions pertaining to the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea.

2. Respond thoughtfully to diverse perspectives inside and outside of the classroom.

This lesson plan kit includes:

• Background Reading for Educator

• Glossary of Terms

• PowerPoint Slides

• Video Links

  • TMT: The World’s Most Controversial Telescope

  • Why Native Hawaiians Protesting Giant Telescope on Mauna Kea Aren't Going Anywhere | NBC

  • and more…

• Discussion Rubric

Essential Questions:

1. What does it mean for a site to be sacred?

2. What is the controversy at Mauna Kea and the Thirty Meter Telescope?

3. What are the arguments for and against the Thirty Meter Telescope?

4. How does Mauna Kea and the Thirty Meter Telescope controversy relate to a larger history of colonialism in Hawaii?

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The standards covered in this lesson are: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.1, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.2, CCSS.ELA LITERACY.RH.9-10.6, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.1, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.2, CCSS.ELA LITERACY.SL.9-10.4

Lesson plan created by Paisley Hemolele SuiLan Richards in partnership with OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates

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