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Navigate:EDUCATE > COAST CONNECTIONS > SANDY SHORES Entry Events Driving Questions:
Authentic Projects for DQ1: Authentic Projects of DQ2: Authentic Projects of DQ3: |
Background:
For thousands of years, people have lived along, played on, and relied upon the sandy shores of Oregon's coast. Our beaches are a source of food, a community gathering place, a protective barrier from the elements, and a living research laboratory. Our children grow up playing in the sand, making memories and connections to nature that can last a lifetime. But like many coastal ecosystems, our sandy shores are under threat. Nearly half of Oregon's beaches are diminishing each year due to erosion. Humans are responsible for much of this erosion, which is caused by the construction of jetties and other hard structures. As the impacts of climate change such as sea level rise and increased storms continue to grow, the effects on our beaches will become more devastating.
One feature of the sandy shore that has been especially impacted is dunes. Oregon is famous for its large rolling dunes, especially in places such as Oregon Dunes National Recreational Area, South Beach State Park and Yaquina Bay State Park. These dunes were born millions of years ago, when sand drifting on the winds began collecting on the first beach vegetation. The sand gradually built up over time, shifting and changing with each year, but growing into the "mountains of sand" we can see today. Unfortunately, Oregon dunes have been significantly altered and damaged by invasive species which outcompete and displace native beachgrasses, negatively impacting shorebirds, invertebrates, and much more. Oregonians from all walks of life are working toward restoring our dunes and sandy beaches for the benefit of wildlife and enjoyment of future generations. In this unit, you and your students will meet some of these people, learn about why our sandy beaches are so important, and take part in projects to help protect this vital and unique coastal ecosystem. Essential Concepts:
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Driving Questions:
DQ1: Why are our sandy beaches special? (Learner Level: Beginner)
Students uncover the unique ecology, wildlife, and features of Oregon's sandy coasts. Projects focus on informing others about why sandy beaches are amazing and why we should care about them.
DQ2: How can we take care of sandy beaches? (Learner Level: Developing)
Students will investigate the ways that people negatively impact dunes and sandy shores, and ways that both citizens
and scientists help mitigate these impacts. Projects focus on designing, exploring, or informing others about solutions.
DQ3: Why do we need to restore Oregon's dunes? (Learner Level: Advanced)
Students will investigate the impacts on people, wildlife, and ecosystems that occur when dunes are threatened or destroyed. Projects focus on dune restoration projects and soliciting support for them from the community.
Students uncover the unique ecology, wildlife, and features of Oregon's sandy coasts. Projects focus on informing others about why sandy beaches are amazing and why we should care about them.
DQ2: How can we take care of sandy beaches? (Learner Level: Developing)
Students will investigate the ways that people negatively impact dunes and sandy shores, and ways that both citizens
and scientists help mitigate these impacts. Projects focus on designing, exploring, or informing others about solutions.
DQ3: Why do we need to restore Oregon's dunes? (Learner Level: Advanced)
Students will investigate the impacts on people, wildlife, and ecosystems that occur when dunes are threatened or destroyed. Projects focus on dune restoration projects and soliciting support for them from the community.
A sandy beach.
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Coastal dunes.
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General Resources:
These resources are provided to build your baseline knowledge. Specific resources are listed for each Authentic Project.
FIELD TRIP SITES:
Additional sites specific to each Authentic Project will be listed on that project page. Click below to see features and amenities for each site. Please note, these are only suggestions — if you have a favorite local place, you can go there too!
FIELD TRIP SITES:
Additional sites specific to each Authentic Project will be listed on that project page. Click below to see features and amenities for each site. Please note, these are only suggestions — if you have a favorite local place, you can go there too!
Related Oceanscape Features:
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