Family on boardwalk Join today and get outside at one of our 60+ wildlife sanctuaries.
Family on boardwalk Join today and get outside at one of our 60+ wildlife sanctuaries.

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

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 and the length of the program (no auditorium style programs). Maximum of 20-22 students per classroom and no more than 3 classrooms per day. Specialty program fees and mileage not included. 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"). Maximum of 4 sub-groups of 15 students or 60 total students. Entry fees to certain field trip locations not included. Please contact us for a direct quote.

Learning Standards Supported:

  • 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

Contact:

For more information email us - [email protected].