K-2

Local Beaches

Implement this lesson:

Use this lesson when discussing animal ecosystems, habitats, or other environmental TEKs. This lesson can be used as part of a larger local theme i.e. Oceans Week. It can also be used for a beach themed day. The duration of this lesson can vary based on student and teacher needs.

Learning objective: 

The student will be able to identify a beach and understand the facts about what a beach is. They will be able to identify our local beaches.

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)

Science TEKS 

K.10(B)  identify basic parts of plants and animals  

K.10(A)  sort plants and animals into groups based on physical characteristics such as color, size, body covering, or leaf shape 

1.9(B) analyze and record examples of interdependence found in various situations such as terrariums and aquariums or pet and caregiver  

1.10(A)  investigate how the external characteristics of an animal are related to where it lives, how it moves, and what it eats

2.10(A) observe, record, and compare how the physical characteristics and behaviors of animals help them meet their basic needs   

2.10(B) observe, record, and compare how the physical characteristics of plants help them meet their basic needs such as stems carry water throughout the plant   

 2.10(C) investigate and record some of the unique stages that insects such as grasshoppers and butterflies undergo during their life cycle 

ELA TEKS

K.3(B) use illustrations and texts the student is able to read or hear to learn or clarify word meanings

K.5(B) generate questions about text before, during, and after reading to deepen understanding and gain information with adult assistance 

K.5(E) make connections to personal experiences, ideas in other texts, and society with adult assistance 

1.9(D) recognize characteristics and structures of informational text, including: (ii) features and simple graphics to locate or gain information

1.6(C) make and correct or confirm predictions using text features, characteristics of genre, and structures with adult assistance 

2.6(B) generate questions about text before, during, and after reading to deepen understanding and gain information 

2.6(I) monitor comprehension and make adjustments such as re‐reading, using background knowledge, checking for visual cues, and asking questions when understanding breaks down

Overview

There are several local beaches such as Bob Hall, JP Luby, North Beach and Downtown.

Corpus Christi Beaches

Corpus Christi, located on the southern coast of Texas, is known for its beautiful beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. These beaches are important for wildlife habitats, recreation, and coastal ecosystems. They attract both tourists and scientists, and are home to many marine animals and shorebirds.

Location and Features

  • Located in South Texas on the Gulf of Mexico
  • Beaches include:
    • North Beach – close to the Texas State Aquarium and USS Lexington
    • McGee Beach – calm waters, family-friendly, near downtown
    • Padre Island National Seashore – long, protected stretch of natural beach
    • Whitecap Beach – popular for swimming and fishing
    • Bob Hall Pier – great for fishing and walking
    • Mustang Island State Park – great for camping and bird watching
  • Soft, sandy beaches with dunes, tidal pools, and grasslands

Wildlife and Habitat

  • Home to many sea creatures, shorebirds, and dune plants
  • Common animals seen:
    • Ghost crabs
    • Sea turtles (especially during nesting season)
    • Brown pelicans, herons, and sandpipers
    • Jellyfish and small fish in the surf zone
  • The sand dunes protect inland areas from wind and waves
  • Beaches are part of the Texas Coastal Bend ecosystem

Recreation and Activities

  • Popular for:
    • Swimming and sunbathing
    • Fishing (from shore or piers)
    • Surfing, boogie boarding, and kite flying
    • Bird watching and nature photography
    • Beachcombing for shells and driftwood
  • Many beaches are pet-friendly and have picnic areas

Conservation and Safety

  • Beachgoers are encouraged to:
    • Stay off the dunes to protect nesting birds and plants
    • Pick up trash and reduce plastic use
    • Observe wildlife from a distance
    • Respect sea turtle nesting zones—especially between April and July
  • Lifeguards may be present at some city beaches, but not all
  • Coastal erosion, trash, and oil spills can threaten the beach environment

Fun Facts

  • Padre Island National Seashore is the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world
  • The area is part of the Central Flyway, a major bird migration route
  • Kemp’s ridley sea turtles, the rarest sea turtles in the world, nest here
  • Seaweed, called sargassum, often washes up and provides food and shelter for beach animals
  • Coastal studies and marine biology research are often done by local universities and conservation groups

Possible Books:

  • Hello Ocean by Pam Munoz Ryan
  • How to Code a Sandcastle by Tad HIlls
  • Wave by Suzy Lee
  • Flotsam by David Wiesner
  • Day at the Beach by Tom Booth

Procedures:

  1. Whole Group:  Day 1:  Have students discuss what they know about the beach. On chart paper, jot down some things they already know about the beach.  Watch the video beach facts.  Pause and discuss.  Together, read The Beach Pass out the worksheet, Finding Text Evidence.  Complete together with a highlighter.  
  2. Day 2:  Watch the video: Beach Facts.  Complete Vocabulary WS using word bank.  
  3. Day 3:  Begin art project.  Beach art on canvas
  4. Day 4:  Continuing working on art project.

Beach Canvas Painting with Student Footprints, Real Sand, and Seashells.

  • Canvas
  • Paint and paintbrushes
  • Sand from the beach
  • Seashells from the beach
  • Brown paint for feet
  • Glue
Reference Craft

Questions to Ask:

  • Have you been to the beach?
  • What do you know about the beach?
  • Is a beach an ecosystem?
  • What lives at the beach?
  • Can a beach be manmade or natural
  • What are some of the local beaches?

Evaluations:

  • Student participation
  • Student created craft

Extensions:

  • Students write a fiction or nonfiction story about a day at the beach
  • Students create their own model of a beach using maker space materials
  • Students complete various beach worksheets and lessons
  • Students can read other books or research about other types of beaches

Lesson by: Kim Berger and Shawnee Estevanes