Wallops Island Coastal Ecology Science Trip CURWENSVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT AMANDA SMITH – PSU STEM OUTREACH & ENGAGEMENT LIAISON SHELLI BERRY – SCIENCE TEACHER

What is Coastal Ecology? Why is it important? Coastal Ecology is the study of how living things react and interact with their environment, specifically we will be looking at the coastal environment of the Atlantic Coast Chincoteague Island & Assateague National Park – pose threats to tourism, pollution, climate change, and much more – research is important to help protect this area and all that lives there

Chincoteague Bay Field Station Field Station: University Research, K- 12 Education programs and community/youth trips Lodging Facilities Lab Facilities – 400 gallon salt water tanks Cafeteria

Briar Woods High School & Curwensville High School Briar Woods High School – Loudoun County, VA (Northern VA about 35 miles west of Washington, DC AP Biology & AP Environmental courses (75 students)

Coastal Ecology Research Experience: An Overview 4-day Research Excursion and lab experience trip learning about coastal ecology, marine biology and conservation efforts in the Atlantic Coastal Region. ½ day Research Trips: Oceanography & Diversity Lab Sand Dunes Intertidal Zone Salt Marsh Maritime Forest Orientation and hands on lab work in the laboratories Breakfast, lunch and dinner served in the cafeteria Free night (Crab Fest or Pizza/bonfire at the beach)

Research Vessels – Oceanography Excursion & Diversity Lab Safety Lab & Oceanography Equipment orientation and review 5-8 oceanography labs on the research vessel Collect marine specimen to identify and analyze in the evening lab

Sand Dunes & Intertidal Zone Excursions Analyzing different beach environments and completing erosion studies Net fishing and capturing other marine specimen for lab work

Salt Marsh Excursion Learn about a salt marsh and its significance

Maritime Forest Excursion Morning hike through a maritime forest in the Assateague National Park before departing for home!

What to bring? -2-3 pairs of clothing everyday! -bathing suit/wet clothes -2 pairs of sneakers -Sandals -Shorts, pants, sweatshirt – all outdoor clothing! -Pillow/sleeping bag -bathroom essentials (towels/robe needed!) -Snacks/food & a refillable water bottle! -Hiking bag/small bookbag -Pens! -binoculars & camera! -card games/baseball, gloves, volleyball, kick balls -Pack smart – you pack it, you carry it!

Other Important Logistics -Total cost of trip approx. $325 (including $50 deposit, not including your own travel funds) -Meals provided each day except our free night out (pizza or Crab Fest) -Bring money for gift shop and travel food ( we will stop a few times in different plazas to give you options) -you can bring snacks (trail mix, granola bars etc.) and drinks but you need to keep the dorm suites clean! -health concerns/dietary needs and prescriptions -Chaperones and Guides will be checking suites before and after departure -You are responsible for cleaning up all dorms, buses, and lab stations at end of trip

Contact Information & Questions? Mrs. Berry – Amanda Smith – Website: