Explore the rocky seashore and intertidal zone for creatures at Taylors Mistake or Sumner Beach.

A starfish found on the beach Students discover the amazing adaptations these life forms have made to survive in the coastal environment, and put their creative thinking to work with a design-a-creature challenge.

Year level

3 to 8

Curriculum level

1 to 5

Availability

Year-round

Times

2 hours 30 minutes between 10am and 2pm (tide dependent)

Site

Taylors Mistake Beach or Sumner Beach

Cost

Free

Number of students

Maximum of 35

Special requirements

None
  • Species adaptation to their habitat.
  • Biodiversity of the rocky shore and tidal zones.
  • Personal responsibility for action.

At the beach your students will have the opportunity to observe coastal residents in their natural environment, examining the wider habitat and the different zones of life.

Students will consider the conditions of each of these tidal zones and how different organisms have adapted to help them survive in the harsh and variable rocky shore environments.

Students will examine the complexity of the relationships between people, living things and natural spaces and discuss their role in helping to support a sustainable rocky shore.

We are learning to:

  • Identify key reasons why a rocky shoreline is a special place.
  • Identify different organisms that live in three coastal tidal zones.
  • Explain how living things can adapt to their environment to ensure survival.
  • Identify actions they can take to protect and enhance the coastal environment.

Using language, symbols and texts

Using an illustrated Rocky Shore Guide, students will interpret language and visual clues to identify different organisms living in the tide pools

Thinking

Students are encouraged to reflect on their learning regarding different tidal zones in order to suggest reasons for different creature adaptation.

Managing self

While examining different tidal zones and independently exploring tide pools, students will manage their learning and think and act appropriately for this environment.

Participating and contributing

Students will be empowered to develop a sense of responsibility for sustaining social, cultural and physical environments including Taylors Mistake and Sumner Beach.

Relating to others

Students will work collaboratively and supportively to complete tasks; take turns and support their classmates.

Curriculum area Strand and level Objective
Science
Pūtaiao   		 Nature of Science
Levels 1 to 4		 Investigating in science
Communicating in science
Participating and contributing
Living World
Levels 1 to 4		 Life processes
Evolution
Living World
Levels 1 to 5		 Ecology
Planet Earth and Beyond
Levels 1 to 4		 Earth Systems
Social Sciences
Tikanga ā-Iwi		 Levels 2 to 5 Place and Environment
Time, continuity and change
Resources and economic activities
Health and Physical Education
Hauora		 Healthy Communities and Environments
Levels 1 and 2		 People and the environment