Officials at Akimeka, a Hawai'i-based information technology company that developed and operates the bus, and the U.S. Office of Naval Research, which provided funding, are hoping the students' interest will carry over into careers in science, engineering and technology.

"We want to cultivate more scientists, more mathematicians and more engineers, so we can offer jobs to local kids if they have the right skills," said Diana Papini, educational outreach coordinator for Akimeka, which as an office on Maui.

The newly launched Maui bus is similar to two others on the Big Island that also were funded by the Office of Naval Research, but are operated by other interests. Papini said it cost $200,000 to equip the Maui bus with digital microscopes, handheld global positioning system devices, laptop computers, electronic water testing equipment, digital cameras and other high-tech gear.

The Maui bus is equipped with digital microscopes, handheld global positioning system devices, laptop computers, electronic water testing equipment, digital cameras and other high-tech gear. Christie Wilson • The Honolulu Advertiser

The 16 students in the Konohiki program are conducting a three-year study of water quality at Kahului Harbor. They started their research in July by using the GPS units, digital cameras and water temperature testing devices to gather data at three sites, then used digital microscopes to examine the micro-organisms contained in the water. Last week they began sorting through the data on laptops in anticipation of preparing a PowerPoint presentation on their research.

"It gives us tools to document what the kids see in the environment and introduces them to information technology and how learning can be fun," said Konohiki program director Iokepa Nae'ole. "They'll be able to see their own work on a Web site and know everyone else in the world can look at."

The Maui Digital Bus has developed curriculum for various grade levels. For example, a weeklong "I Spy on Maui" project for second-graders involves a scientific study of the beach environment using digital cameras, microscopes and other high-tech devices. To share their findings, the students create a multimedia slide show. A two-week "Welcome to the Wetlands" project for older elementary students starts with field trips to Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge, Kanaha Pond or the Waihe'e coastline, and also results in a multimedia presentation.

A project for high schoolers involves creating an interactive map of a portion of Maui County with an eye toward scientific interests.

Teachers can opt for less intensive one-day activities that allow students to conduct experiments on animal and plant cell structure, analysis of soil samples, and other topics.

Although the bus won't be able to visit Moloka'i and Lana'i, Papini said the portable equipment can be taken to schools on those two islands upon request.

For more information on the Maui Digital Bus, visit the Web site www.digitalbus.org. To arrange for a demonstration, school officials may contact Papini at 874-9651 Ext. 245 or e-mail her at dpapini@akimeka.com.