Coast Kids In-School Programs

Coast Kids is the environmental education program of the Assateague Coastal Trust, a not-for-profit organization based in Berlin, MD.

All programs are held in schools, or on the school grounds. They are offered September thru May. A service fee of $2.00 per student helps to cover costs for material and supplies.

For further information please contact Verena Chase, Coast Kids Program Director at 410-629-1538 or email to [email protected] .

Climate Change and Sea Level Rise

Grade 8, Environmental Science, Duration: 1 hour

Students will learn the difference between weather and climate, and what the greenhouse effect is. The latest research will show how climate changed in the past, and what predictions can be made for the future. Most importantly students will study the effects of climate change on the Eastern Shore.

What’s in the Water? (Pollution and Water Quality Monitoring)

Adaptable for K - 6th grade Duration: 1 hour

This hands-on class explains non-point-source and point-source pollution using a topographic model of a coastal community. Students will learn the direct and indirect effects of pollution, and what they can do to avoid it. Older students may learn basic water quality monitoring techniques.

Where Do Fish Sticks Come From? (Ocean Food Chain/ Food Web)

Adaptable for 4th - 8th grade Duration: 60 minutes Younger students will study a food chain in the ocean, using hands-on activities. Older students will learn about the ocean food web and trophic levels (primary producers, consumers, intermediate, top predators). The class focuses on human effects on the ocean food web, and how to make good choices using resources from the ocean. Native, Introduced, and Invasive Species Adaptable for 6th – 8th grade Duration: 1 hour

Students study the difference between native, introduced, and invasive species. Introduction of nonnative species may happen intentionally or unintentionally, and may become beneficial or invasive. Students will learn about the effects of some of the worst, and some of the best introductions of non-native species.

Trash Free Lunch (Recycling and Saving Energy) Adaptable for K – 2nd grade Duration: 45 minutes

Students identify ways to save energy in school or at home, and learn how to make a trash free school lunch.