Beach Zonation

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In this outdoor, ocean-side activity, learners investigate the distribution of organisms in the upper region of the intertidal zone. Many coastal animals survive long exposures to air, high temperatures, and wave shocks as the tides rise and fall. Working in teams, learners observe animals and plants at low tide to discover the many ways organisms have adapted for survival at the collision of earth and sea.

Quick Guide

Learning Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$10 - $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Field Trip
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • small flags
  • lumps of clay
  • tide table
  • watch
  • 3 large flags
  • 2 meter sticks
  • 2 poles (4-6 feet long)
  • 2 balls of heavy twine
  • 2 line levels
  • Use of Tide Table Technique Card (in PDF)
  • Determining the Highest Tide Level Technique Card (PDF)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Earth Structure
      • Oceans and Water
    • Earth, Moon and Sun
      • Tides
  • Life Sciences
    • Diversity of Life
      • Plants
      • Animals
    • Ecology
      • Ecosystems
      • Populations
      • Biodiversity
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Gathering Data

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, 1982