These activities were developed by Rachel Peterson, an undergraduate marine science major at Coastal Carolina University, and Don Poland ( dpoland@nmbh.hcs.k12.sc.us ), a high school science teacher at North Myrtle Beach High School in Little River, S.C.  They are based on their research with Dr. Eric Wright, a marine science professor at Coastal Carolina University.  Selected research examples used in the activities are from preliminary results of  the SC Coastal Erosion Study, funded by the United States Geological Survey and South Carolina Sea Grant Program.  These activities were reviewed by Dr. Wright and are being revised after being tested in the classroom.

The activities explore the concepts of stratigraphy and half life/age dating (an activity for index fossils is under construction).  Each activity provides information on the objectives of the activity, standards met by the activity, a real world example, activity preparation and procedure, and assessment questions. In addition, potential means for classroom presentation (web pages, overheads and handouts) and a glossary are provided.  We welcome any comments or questions about these activities (please contact dpoland@nmbh.hcs.k12.sc.us ).

Click on the symbols in the table of contents on the left to take you to the activity pages.

The Rising Tide Project was developed at Coastal Carolina University, with the support of the National Science Foundation, and in collaboration with the Waccamaw Math and Science Hub and the South Carolina Aquarium.  Its goal is to raise the level of scientific awareness and confidence on a local level by fostering collaboration between researchers, educators, and undergraduates.  Teachers work closely during the summer with a university researcher and an undergraduate science major on a locally relevant research project.  Using the methodology and data from their experience, the teams design discovery- and inquiry-based classroom activities for the classroom that emphasize hypothesis testing, data manipulation, and interpretation.  For more information about the Rising Tide Project, click on the logo below.