island school

Curriculum Detail

Our Staff

School Level

Department

Science

6th Physical Science

The sixth grade science course stresses the importance of using a dynamic model of the scientific method. To do this students will learn to take careful observations, ask relevant thoughtful questions, design unique experiments, and draw conclusions from real life data. The three areas of focus are the Properties of Matter, Motion and Forces, and Energy. This provides students with a broad understanding of various disciplines in science with a focus on Physical Science.
6th Physical Science
7th Life Science

This course is an inquiry based approach to Life Science. Students will gain an understanding of the structure and functions of cells, cell processes, the classification of organisms, and genetics. They will understand evolution, biological diversity, plant biology, human biology, and ecology. Students will make observations, use microscopes, take measurements, interpret data, and write formal lab reports as they discover more about the living world around them. The Scientific Method and laboratory safety will be emphasized throughout the course.
7th Life Science
8th Earth & Space Science

Students will apply scientific principles, concepts, and techniques in the study of the basic principles of geology, weather and astronomy. Students will use the Scientific Method in labs and projects throughout the course. Scientific skills that are required in high school will be emphasized throughout the course.
8th Earth & Space Science

Our Faculty

Joe Walch

STEM Department Chair, Math & Science Teacher

University of Washington - M.A.
University of Texas - B.A.

joe.walch@ischool.org
Bio
Joe teaches Geometry and Physics. He has nine years of experience teaching science, math, sociology, and statistics classes at the high school and college level. After earning his MA in Sociology at the University of Washington, he worked as a researcher and data analyst with the Center for Education Data and Research for six years. His research focused on teacher effectiveness, teacher labor markets, student achievement, and social mobility. His work has been published in Education Next, Economics of Education Review, Statistics and Public Policy, Phi Delta Kappan, Educational Evaluation Policy and Analysis, and the WERA Educational Journal. He also served as the head coach for the handball team at the University of Washington for four years. Joe enjoys hiking, snorkeling, surfing, handball, playing music, and spending time outdoors. He currently lives in Kapaa with his wife Stacey and two year old son Tony.
Stephanie Achuara

Upper School Division Director (Grades 6-12)

Niagara University - B.S.

s.achuara@ischool.org
Bio
Stephanie Achuara is the Middle School Division Director who has been an educator on Kauai for 17 years. In her 12 year at Island School she has taught Math & Science before and along-side her administrative roles. She is a part of the Administration and Academic Leadership Teams and contributes to various committees including the Academic Affairs and Activities Committee. She also served on the Interim Head Search Committee in the spring of 2021, as a faculty and staff representative. Stephanie graduated from Niagara University, New York with a degree in Business Commerce and a minor in Marketing. During college she competed in division I soccer. Her husband Archie is the P.E. Health & Wellness Instructor at Island School and they have two sons, Archie Ali'i III (age 10) and Alexander John Ali'i (Age 9).
Joseph Corbo

Teacher

Pennsylvania State University

j.corbo@ischool.org
Bio
Lived in Costa Rica for one year. Began career in outdoor education in Costa Rica. Worked for Outward Bound in Costa Rica and Boston. Is a former SCUBA instructor. Worked at the Fay School in South Borough Massachusetts, where he coached football, hockey, and lacrosse and lived on campus as a dorm parent. Played Ice Hockey at Penn State. Has worked at Island School since 2007. Lives in Kapaa with his son William and wife Andrea. At Island School has worked as the middle school activities coordinator, led SCUBA club, and is currently the coach of the middle school science olympiad team. Currently teachers math science and PE.
Andy Kakutani

a.kakutani@ischool.org
Jeff Kozak

Dean of Academics, Math Department Head, Teacher

Virginia Tech - Ph.D.
Virginia Tech - M.E.
Gannon University - B.S.

j.kozak@ischool.org
Bio
Before coming to Island School in 2009, Dr. Kozak was a tenured professor at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) for nine years. In 2008, he was the youngest professor to earn the Eisenhart Award for Outstanding Teaching, which is the highest honor a faculty member at RIT can receive. He also received four other teaching awards from four different organizations while at RIT. Dr. Kozak has over a dozen publications on topics including multidisciplinary senior capstone projects, aircraft engines, and micro-air vehicles. At Island School Dr. Kozak is the Math Department Head; teaches AP Calculus AB, Honors Physics and AP Physics C; and is the Senior Capstone Coordinator.
Aaron Swink

a.swink@ischool.org

island school

3-1875 Kaumuali’i Hwy Līhuʻe, HI 96766
(808)246-0233 | info@ischool.org

Curriculum Detail

Our Staff

Science

6th Physical Science

6th Physical Science

7th Life Science

7th Life Science

8th Earth & Space Science

8th Earth & Space Science

Our Faculty