Coastal Erosion & the Dune Ecosystem Field Trip Series (4-5)

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Field Trip Series: School-based introductory program followed by a field trip with another wrap-up lesson at your school

Intro School Program (1 hour) Students learn about a coastal ecosystem and the challenges of climate change and erosion. This program includes a presentation on weathering & erosion and actual plant and sediment samples. Effects of climate change and human impact may be discussed.

Field Trip (multi-hour) Explore a coastal ecosystem to see firsthand evidence of erosion, examples of weathering and sand composition and transport.

Follow-up School Program (one-hour) In this one-hour lab session, students conclude the series with a series of activities, investigations and discussion routines in which they will demonstrate their understanding of why our coastal ecosystems need protection and how we can slow the natural process of erosion.

Location: School & Joppa Flats Education Center, Plum Island, or a suitable nearby community greenspace.

*Extension during field trip for Beach Grass Planting (November - April) incurs special pricing

Program Location(s):

Ipswich River, Topsfield
Your school or other location

Grades:

4, 5

Price:

  • In-School Sessions: Program cost depends on number of classrooms participating (20-30* students or fewer per classroom - no auditorium style programs). The first classroom/group is $160, and any additional classrooms are $105 each. Specialty program fees and mileage not included.
    *Maximum number of students may depend on program.
    Field Trip Session: Program cost depends on number of students and length of program. Mass Audubon charges a flat fee per group of 15 students ("sub-group"). For a two hour program, the first sub-group is $180, and any additional sub-groups are $150 each. Maximum of 6 sub-groups of 15 students or 90 total students. Entry fees to certain field trip locations not included.
    Please contact us for a direct quote.

Curriculum Frameworks:

4-ESS1-1 - Earth's Place in the Universe - erosion and deposition shapes landscape
4-ESS2-1 - Earth's Systems - mechanical weathering
4-ESS3-2 - Earth and Human Activity - solutions to natural disaster impact

Want to know more about this program? Send us an email and we'll get right back to you.