Saturday, February 22, 1997
Name: Keith T. Imada
Age: 32
Position: Science teacher, Maui High
Education: University of Hawaii
Pastimes: Bodyboarding, beach walks
"What's really cool is to tie it into things. Kids don't realize science relates to business and entrepreneurship," said Imada, a Maui High teacher.
Fellow teacher Clint Gima said Imada looks for creative yet practical ways to teach the complexities of science. "For example, his students use plastic soda bottles to make rockets ... and they view footage from roller coasters to learn physics," Gima said.
Imada also has been instrumental in establishing a computer network on campus and helping teachers who have questions about technology. He also helped to develop a physics course for industrial arts students that focuses on converting energy in motor vehicles.
Imada said his interest in science stems from his father, Tatsumi, a former director of the Maui County Department of Water Supply, who would take his son to inspect water tanks and survey land.
Imada said he tries to teach students that science sometimes involves trial and error.
In a physics project, students are asked to design a container to hold two eggs that won't break when dropped from a three-story parking garage.
Those whose eggs break are given an opportunity to adjust their design. "I feel it's important that you learn from your mistakes," Imada said.