• Grade: 4, 5, 6; 7, 8; 10, 11
• 3 hours

This field study takes place at Dalebrook Beach in Kalk Bay. It is a scientific study of the biodiversity in the zones between the high and low water marks.

We start by discussing the importance of marine protected areas and appropriate human behaviour; the human impact on marine resources and safety at the seashore. The learners study the rock pools revealed at low tide, and make various observations and deductions. If time permits, we do a brief clean-up as an act of community service. The lesson always has an element of unpredictability that may alter it slightly: the weather; the tides; the presence of whales; the presence of other people at the site etc.

We will also include LIMPET work:
We are part of the Long-term Intertidal Monitoring through Participation, Evaluation & Training (LIMPET) project and, where appropriate, we will include a data collection activity. In this way learners can participate in active Citizen Science and contribute towards research & conservation.

Gr 4: Habitats
Gr 5: Biodiversity; food chains
Gr 6: Eco-systems; food webs
Gr 7: Biodiversity; molluscs; crustaceans; tides; marine protected areas
Gr 8: Eco-systems; adaptation; food chains & food webs; conservation
Gr 10: Biomes; eco-systems; LIMPET field study
Gr 11: Interactions in environment; loss of biodiversity; LIMPET field study

The Rocky Seashore Study is available in Terms 1, 2 & 4, and is tide & weather dependent. Book early; there are only a few days when the tide is low enough.

Curriculum Links:
Gr 4-8
Natural Sciences & Technology (Gr 4-6)
Natural Sciences (Gr 7-8)
SS Geography
Mathematics
Life Skills/Life Orientation

Gr 10-11
Life Sciences
Geography
Mathematics