Wildlife
Which is the largest animal living on Earth?
Blue whales
Blue whales can measure approximately 98 feet (30 meters) in length. The heart of a blue whale is the size of a car.
What woman was the first deaf and blind person to write and publish a book?
Helen Keller
Throughout her life, she penned more than a dozen books and hundreds of essays.
What term is used to describe the person responsible for maintaining discipline and handling administrative tasks in a school?
Principal
Principals of schools have the responsibility to oversee school operations, coordinate curricula, manage staff, and create a productive environment for students to flourish.
What famous water sport is most commonly associated with Hawaii?
Surfing
The first written documentation of surfing is often credited to Captain James Cook, the first European to set foot on the islands of Hawaii.
How many chambers are in the human heart?
Four
They are called the upper left and right atria and lower left and right ventricles.
Which reptiles can change their appearance to camouflage themselves?
Chameleons
They change colors for a few reasons, including warding off predators. Fun fact: A chameleon’s tongue is two feet long and can move at the speed of 13 miles per hour.
From what country do spanakopita (spah-nah-KOH-pee-tah), souvlaki (soo-VLAH-kee), and moussaka (moo-sah-KAH) hail?
Greece
Souvlaki originated in Greece around 4,000 years ago according to some researchers.
What is the name of the traditional event in American high schools and colleges that typically features a football game, pep rally, dance, and alumni events?
Homecoming
The earliest occurrences of homecoming celebrations date back to the early 1900s as a way for past students to visit their old colleges and show their school pride. It was celebrated with a football game in which the home team would face a rival team. By the 1930s, homecoming celebrations spread to high schools.
What devastating event in history occurred on December 7, 1941, on the island of Oahu?
The attack on Pearl Harbor
The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor began around 8:00 a.m. on December 7, killing over 2,000 U.S. personnel. President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared war on Japan a day later. Today, the Pearl Harbor memorial is visited by over two million people per year.
What is the only mammal capable of flying?
Bats
One of the largest bats on record is the giant golden-crowned flying fox, which has a wingspan of five feet, six inches. Flying squirrels don’t actually fly; they glide.
From what type of fruit are prunes made?
Plums
Prunes are known for supporting GI health and also contain many antioxidants.
What phrase is often used to describe the primary years of schooling, typically from kindergarten through fifth grade?
Elementary school
Prior to the term elementary school, the term common school was used to refer to state-supported school systems in the first half of the 19th century. Its purpose is to prepare students with fundamental skills and knowledge to support their educational journey.
What canned pork and ham product made by Hormel Foods Corporation became wildly popular in Hawaii during World War II?
SPAM
The canned meat became popular due to its low cost and extended shelf life in 1937 and made its way to Hawaii when Pearl Harbor became a critical U.S. naval base. Today, Hawaii consumes the most SPAM per capita of any state at seven million cans per year.
Which bird can mimic human sounds?
Parrots
In 1995, a blue parakeet named Puck made the Guinness World Records book for knowing more than 1,700 words.
Which of Shakespeare’s plays is the longest?
Hamlet
The play contains 30,557 words and was written sometime between 1599 and 1601.
What is the term for the vehicle commonly used to transport students to and from school?
School bus
In the early 1930s, manufacturing company Wayne Works was credited with producing the earliest school bus, made of steel with glass windows for safety. In 1939, the University of Manhattan hosted a meeting that set national standards for the vehicles.
What is the name of the floral wreath that people wear around their neck and often receive when arriving in Hawaii?
A lei
In Hawaii, the lei is a symbol of love, friendship, celebration, and greeting. The tradition of receiving a lei began with early Polynesian voyagers. Today, leis are often worn to mark a significant milestone or achievement.
Which edible item is made by bees?
Honey
If something happens to the queen honey bee, the colony will choose a new queen from the newly hatched larvae.
Which liquid measure is largest: a gallon, a quart, or a liter?
A gallon
In U.S. measurements, a gallon is about 3.78 liters or four quarts.
What is the name of the portable electronic device that allows students to solve both basic arithmetic and complex equations?
Calculator
The first handheld calculator was invented in 1967 by a group of Texas Instruments engineers. Although this was a revolutionary invention, the introduction of these calculators was not well received in the school system. Originally only reserved for use at home, it wasn’t until 1975 that calculators were allowed in schools for students in eighth grade and higher.
What is the name of the traditional Hawaiian dance characterized by fluid movements of the hands, hips, and feet?
The hula
The hula is a dance that is steeped in Hawaiian tradition. It is meant to symbolize culture and community and is used to tell stories, express emotions, and connect with the spirit world.
Which animal calls bamboo forests home?
Panda bear
Pandas survive on mostly bamboo but will occasionally eat small animals.
Opened in 1940, which fast-food chain is known for serving Dilly Bars and Blizzards?
Dairy Queen
In 1988, the Dairy Queen company purchased the Orange Julius brand. Today they have more than 7,500 locations in 20 countries.
What class promotes fitness, health, and well-being through activity?
Physical Education, or gym, date back to the early 1800s, when gymnastics, basic hygiene, and exercise were first introduced into the school system. In the United States today, physical education classes are mandatory in only 43 states.
What is Hawaii’s state flower: bird of paradise flower, yellow hibiscus, or plumeria?
Yellow hibiscus
This beautiful flower can be found throughout Hawaii, and in 1920 the hibiscus was adopted, in all its colors, as the state flower. However, in 1988, the yellow hibiscus was selected as the state’s official flower