High School students in Lori Racaniello’s two oceanography classes
experienced a real-life outdoor laboratory when they visited the Fire
Island National Seashore at Smith Point Park to explore the physical
parameters of the marine environment and catalogue the organisms
residing there. The students toured the Nature Center and learned about
the FINS’ ongoing research of the dynamic coastal environment with David
Raymond, an environment program specialist from the New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation. Among the important aspects of
their visit were lessons on the horseshoe crab and piping plover and
how these are being managed by local scientists. They also learned about
the breach from Hurricane Sandy that has developed into a new inlet
that is being studied by scientists from Stony Brook University.
The students also participated in hands-on inquiry labs to determine the
physical parameters at the beach. They developed a beach profile using
surveying equipment; explored the composition and size distribution of
sand along three sections of the beach; studied the wind and wave
conditions, which are the fundamental forces that shape the beach;
determined the water quality of the ocean and the bay and seined in the
bay to observe some of the local flora and fauna that inhabit the
shallow waters. They also collected water samples for further analysis
back in their classroom and to observe the microscopic organisms of the
ocean and bay. A hike along the boardwalk and many photos of the flora
and fauna were also taken to catalogue the native species and develop a
nature field guide for the area they explored.
“The day’s enrichment activities are an important aspect of the
oceanography’s curriculum to have a fundamental understanding of barrier
island dynamics and to learn about global warming and how it is
affecting Earth’s oceans and coastal communities,” Mrs. Racaniello said.
“Knowledge about these physical parameters, observations and data
collected is crucial to maintain a sustainable coastal environment as
future stewards of this local resource.”