Hawaiʻi's Sandy Shorelines
On this page:
A Hands-on Guide to Hawaiʻi’s Sandy Shore Habitat
Download curriculum in individual sections at the bottom of this page. Also see some more examples of student work. Some of the files are large. Read on for a description of the sandy shores unit or download the unit overview for a complete description of the lesson format, assessment, and content.
Grade Level: 2nd Grade
Purpose: This curriculum is designed to communicate:
- How the sandy shores of Hawaiʻi are physically and biologically structured.
- What the major natural and human induced impacts to the sandy shore habitat are.
- How science and conservation are working together to study the sandy shore habitat and manage the people and resource within the habitat.
A green sea turtle on the beach.
Rationale: The sandy shore makes up a large portion of Hawaiʻi’s coastal habitats and ranges in color from white, black, green, and red. It provides a habitat for many of the plants and animals that support the lifestyle and culture of island residents, as well as, a place where recreational activities can be enjoyed by all. This curriculum promotes an enhanced understanding within Hawaiʻi’s youth on how the sandy shore habitat functions, how we use and study it, and how that use impacts the habitat. It uses hands-on, inquiry-based activities to promote an enhanced learning about Hawaii’s sandy shore habitat.
A sandy shore diorama that shows the habitat
A Waikoloa class field trip
Waikoloa 2nd graders go on a virtual field trip
Hawaiʻi Content and Performance Standards (HCPSIII) Addressed:
Standard 2.1: The Scientific Process. Standard 2.3: Life and Environmental Sciences:Standard 2.4: Life and Environmental Sciences: Standard 2.5: Life and Environmental Sciences
Unit Concept Map
Sandy shores concept map
Downloadable Lessons
- Unit Overview (PDF)
- Lesson 1: Introduction to the Sandy Shores (PDF)
- Lesson 2: Exploring Hawaiʻi's Beaches (PDF)
- Lesson 3: Scavenging the Sandy Shore (PDF)
- Lesson 4: What is Sand? (PDF)
- Lesson 5: Crustacean Critters (PDF)
- Lesson 6: Hermit Crabs in the Classroom (PDF)
- Lesson 7: Hawaiian Monk Seals (PDF)
- Lesson 8: Monk Seal Research (PDF)
- Lesson 9: Hawaiʻi's Sea Turtle-Observer (PDF)
- Lesson 10: Hawaiʻi's Sea Turtle-Explorer (PDF)
- Lesson 11: Life Cycle of Hawaiʻi's Honu (PDF)
- Lesson 12: Oil on the Beach (PDF)
- Lesson 13: Sink or Float (PDF)
- Lesson 14: Human Impacts to the Sandy Shore (PDF)
Videos
This unit was created and piloted by Colby Kearns & Sylvie Bright.