"You guys can handle more!" is a frequent rallying cry that Carl Matsumoto uses to challenge, encourage and inspire his students. He supports this challenge with a variety of unique instructional methods that include problem-based learning. A pioneer in promoting cutting- edge research among his students, "Mr. Mats" teaches his students how to study tissue genesis in a cell culture facility, the only program of its kind in a Hawaii public school. He generates added excitement for science by insisting that every freshman complete a project for the science fair. Recognizing that many of his students at this Title I school are English Language Learners, Mr. Matsumoto has them make oral presentations to the judges at the science fair, helping them improve their communications skills and building self-confidence while learning about science. He has also promoted careers in health and science among his students by showing them health and medical fields of the future, through partnerships he forged with the University School of Medicine and other health care organizations. Thanks to Mr. Mats, students find they can indeed "handle more."
