Beachcombing

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In this outdoor activity, learners become beachcombers as they walk on a sandy beach in search of evidence of life. Learners gather examples and consider how the collected artifacts reached the beach. Learners then match their artifacts with the living organism that created each, while also telling stories about how the artifact might have been used. This activity can be done with learners of various ages, but the level of details in identifying and describing what its found can be varied according to age.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 4 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Field Trip
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • containers (plastic bags, dishpans, buckets, or cut-off milk cartons)
  • magnifying lenses or bug boxes
  • Aquatic Observation Aids Equipment Card (from PDF)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Earth Structure
      • Oceans and Water
  • Life Sciences
    • Diversity of Life
      • Plants
      • Animals
    • Ecology
      • Ecosystems
      • Human Impact
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Asking Questions
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results

Informal Categories

  • Animals
  • Nature and Environment
  • Outdoor Activity
  • Physical Activity

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • be mobile
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, The Regents of the University of California, 1981