Four Kamehameha Schools students participated last month in a weeklong scientific study of current patterns around the Big Island, working in the company of researchers from the University of Hawai'i School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology.

Third-year graduate student Paulo Calil, a physical oceanographer, was in charge of a project to measure and describe the flow of ocean currents around South Point on the Big Island. It's a complicated situation, in which currents rip and wrap, and create small and large spiraling eddies of water that can flow toward any point of the compass, depending on where you measure them.

In addition to conducting the basic research, Calil and his school sought a way to involve promising students interested in marine science. They approached Kamehameha Schools teacher Laura Duffy, who offered four students: Keoni Kaleiwahea, Jason Patterson, Kaleo Hurley and Hau'oli Smith.

"As a marine science teacher, I know that the sea herself is a powerful instructor. I believe there really is no better way to truly inspire students to pursue science than to have them experience the application of the demanding content," Duffy said.

The group spent seven days at sea aboard the research vessel Kilo Moana, and Duffy said the experience for the students was powerful.

"Paulo Calil created a rare environment where the students were an integral part of his science crew. They were not just observers, but stood watches and monitored equipment as circulation data was collected. More valuable and lasting than any written lesson, these students experienced the rigor, excitement and beauty of open ocean research," Duffy said.

The kids said they had expected to do menial work and be asked to stand back when the real science got done. They were surprised.

"I was involved in the deploying of the tripods for the studying of ocean floor movement. Before the trip, the thought of being able to help with a project like this had never crossed my mind," Patterson said.

They steered the boat and learned about using navigation and plotting gear, and Smith said crew members taught her "about 15 knots."

"On this trip, I got to talk to amazing scientists, and watch astounding research that only in my dreams I would expect," Kaleiwahea said.

The group also conducted a plankton tow, towing a fine-mesh net behind the boat and retrieving it to study what it had collected.

If you have a question or concern about the Hawaiian environment, drop a note to Jan TenBruggencate at P.O. Box 524, Lihu'e, HI 96766 or jant@honoluluadvertiser.com. Or call him at (808) 245-3074.