What’s on the beach? What gets washed up and what shouldn’t be there? This is a chance for students to investigate objects on the beach – natural and unnatural – and identify ways that they can contribute to sustainable coastal areas

Students searching the beach shoreline

Year level Years 0 to 4
Curriculum level Levels 1 to 3
Availability Year-round (tide dependent)
Times 9:30 to 11:30am or 12:30 to 2:30
Site Spencer Park Beach, Waimairi Beach, North New Brighton Beach, New Brighton Beach, South Brighton Beach, Sumner Beach
Cost Free
Number of students Maximum of 35
Special requirements  None
  • Sustainability.
  • Beach habitats.
  • Natural and non-natural items found at the beach.
  • Litter and its effect on the environment.
  • Personal and social responsibility for action.
  • Caring for our beaches.

Students will learn what plants and creatures live in different beach habitats and why these are important ecosystems.

Students participate in a Beach Treasure Hunt to find out what’s on the beach. Analysing their treasures, students classify what they’ve found and discuss where these items have come from; and the effects they may have on the beach environment.

Students identify ways they can contribute to sustainable coastal areas and share their ideas by creating a “message in the sand” to share with other beach-goers.

We are learning to:

  • Identify the key reasons why beaches are special places.
  • Identify things that would not naturally be on a beach and the problems that these items cause for coastal creatures.
  • Name things that live in and around the beach that depend on the environment for their survival.
  • Identify an action that we can take to reduce litter at the beach.

Using language, symbols and texts

Students will interpret signs, symbols and text to find out information about different beach creatures.

Thinking

Students will employ critical thinking to make decisions regarding the appropriate place for objects found on our beaches.

Managing self

Students will manage their learning and think and act independently in an outdoor near-water environment.

Participating and contributing

Students will be empowered to become actively involved in making a difference to the community through their learning and action.

Relating to others

Students will work collaboratively and supportively to complete tasks; take turns and support their classmates.

Curriculum area Strand and level Objective
Science
Pūtaiao		 Nature of Science
Levels 1 to 3		 Investigating in science
Communicating in science
Participating and contributing
Living World
Levels 1 to 3		 Life processes
Ecology
Evolution
  Planet Earth and Beyond
Levels 1 to 3		 Earth systems
Interacting systems
Social Sciences
Tikanga ā-Iwi		 Levels 1 and 2 Social studies
Health and Physical Education
Hauora		 Healthy Communities and Environments
Levels 1 and 2		 Community resources
Rights, responsibilities, and laws
People and the environment