Coastal Ecosystems Series (6-8)
*Pre-visit (1-hour): Students will observe and handle a variety of live marine organisms, including mollusks, crustaceans, and echinoderms; Design an intertidal ‘;tide pool’ using rocks, sand, and seawater; and use thermometers, hydrometers, and aerators to maintain the physical conditions required for this habitat. The pre-visit will conclude with choosing one of two field trip themes: rocky shore or salt marsh.
Field Trip (2-3 hours): Watch your class find explore the tide pools and learn to find and identify a variety of marine life. Students will collect data on the substrate and invertebrates in the tide pool, including population distribution and species inventory. Finally, the class will participate in a crab biodiversity count for the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).
Post-visit (1-hour): Students will study sand using handheld digiscopes to detect microplastics; Use sediment sieves to sort the findings by size; anddiscuss the effects of microplastics, Styrofoam pellets, and other marine debris on the environment.
Location: School, Joppa Flats Education Center, Sandy Point State Reservation, or a suitable nearby beach.
*Special Pricing Program
Allergy Note: This program features live crustaceans and mollusks
Program Location(s):
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Joppa Flats, Newburyport
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Your school
Grades:
6, 7, 8
Pricing and Financial Aid:
Download our School Programs Pricing Guide for more information on our pricing structure and financial aid options.
Learning Standards Supported:
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6-MS-ETS1-1 - Engineering Design - criteria/constraints of design problem
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7-MS-LS2-1 - Ecosystems--Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics - resouces relates to population size
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7-MS-LS2-4 - Ecosystems--Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics - ecosystem disruptions can shift pop.
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7-MS-LS2-6 (MA) - Ecosystems--Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics - biodiversity limit resources for humans
Contact:
For more information email us - [email protected].