The
Coast In Motion!
-
On-site
Activities/Ranger Led
Grade Level: 5
Content
Area: Science
Time to Complete: 90 minutes
Maximum
number of students: 30
Title
of Lesson: The Coast In Motion!
South Carolina State Standards
Addressed:
|
I.A.4.a.
|
Use drawings, tables,
graphs, written and oral
language to describe
objects and explain
ideas and actions. |
|
II.A.1.h. |
Investigate and describe
how the Earth's surface
is constantly changing
by weathering, erosion,
deposition, and human
impact. |
|
II.A.1.j. |
Infer how waves,
current, tides, and
storms affect the
geological features of
the ocean shore zone
(e.g. beaches, barrier
islands, inlets,
estuaries, and harbors,
etc.) |
Lesson Description:
Located
along the coast of the Atlantic
Ocean, Edisto Beach State Park is
the ideal environment to study
coastal geology. Students will
participate in hands-on field
studies that will 1) demonstrate the
dynamic nature of the coast, and 2)
investigate the coastal processes
that affect the geological features
of the ocean shore zone.
Upon completion of this field trip,
students will understand that the
coast is constantly changing by
erosion, deposition, and human
impact.
Objectives:
The students
will:
|
1. |
Investigate the
characteristics of beach sand. |
|
2. |
Describe how the
coast is constantly changing by erosion, deposition, and human
impact. |
|
3. |
Model the
longshore current, seasonal waves, storms, and their impact on the
coast. |
|
4. |
Construct groins
and seawalls and describe their effect on the coast. |
Focus Questions for Students:
| 1. |
Describe the
composition of sand. |
| 2. |
Explain how
the wind moves sand onto the dunes. |
| 3. |
What affect
do longshore currents have on sand transport? |
| 4. |
Compare sand
movement in winter versus summer waves. |
| 5. |
How do
hurricanes change the geology of barrier islands? |
| 6. |
Explain the
saying, The coast is always in motion. |
Material/Equipment/Resources
(provided by park):
All materials and equipment will be
provided by the park.
Procedures:
|
1. |
Arrive at Park. |
| |
Use restrooms
located near picnic shelter #1 where the park staff will meet you.
|
|
2. |
Students will
participate in ranger-led activities with teacher and chaperone
assistance. |
| |
Activity One Exploring Beach
Sand |
| |
Activity Two
The Coast In Motion (used
with permission from Elizabeth F. King) |
|
3. |
Optional teacher-led activity
Beaches On The Move. (The Park will provide all
materials and an activity guide.) |
|
