Beach Transect
Grades 6-12

Using scientific survey methods, students explore a rocky beach at low tide to become acquainted with intertidal plants and animals. They study the distribution of creatures on a beach by doing a transect survey. A 100 foot tape is stretched down the beach. Students work in pairs to identify, quantify and record animals, plants and important habitat elements along the tape-line. They compare organisms found high on the beach to those living low on the beach and discuss possible reasons marine creatures live in distinct zones along the shore. Some classes may help collect information on animals they find for an ongoing beach study we're doing in partnership with NatureMapping.

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