Hawaii's Sandy Shores
A Hands-on Guide to Hawaii’s Sandy Shore Habitat
Click on the lessons to the left to download curriculum in individual sections or download the whole unit at the bottom. 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 Hawaii 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 sandy shore diorama that shows the habitat and a Waikoloa class field trip.
A view of sandy shores curriculum in the classroom. Please be patient it may take a while to load
Rationale: The sandy shore makes up a large portion of Hawaii’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 Hawaii’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.
Hawaii 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
Waikoloa 2nd graders go on a virtual field trip and see a green sea turtle.
This unit was created and piloted by Colby Kearns & Sylvie Bright