Hawaii

Michelle Buck is an Interpretive Guide at Mauna Kea Visitor Center and works at the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy in Captain Cook, Hawaii

Michelle has been an educator in Hawaii for the past 30 years, and has developed and taught science curriculum for primary grade students. When she attended her first PLT workshop in 2012, she immediately saw the value of using PLT to amplify student learning and became a PLT-trained facilitator. Michelle uses PLT in an interdisciplinary fashion by integrating art, math, language arts, music, and movement into her science classes. She has coordinated Family Science Nights to provide opportunities for families to engage in their children’s education; these events highlighted PLT hands-on investigations and included booths for environmental organizations and community partners. Michelle displayed her strong leadership skills when she facilitated PLT workshops for formal, nonformal, and pre-service teachers across the state. As a member of the Hawaii PLT Steering Committee, she used her extensive experience as an educator to help guide PLT’s growth in the state. Most recently Michelle has worked as an interpretive guide by sharing her extensive knowledge about the cultural, astronomical, geological, historical, and environmental features of Hawaii upon thousands of visitors that come to the Mauna Kea Visitor Center.

Michelle was named a National PLT Leadership in Education Award honoree in 2018.