Life's a Beach!

Beaches are found around the world as land and water meet. Take some time to meet beaches by surfing these websites.

CONNECT:

•  Watch the changing nature of shorelines and beaches at http://education-portal.com/academy/lesson/characteristics-of-shorelines-beaches.html#lesson
•   Where does beach sand come from? Find out at http://www.livescience.com/38163-where-beach-sand-comes-from.html
•   Explore beach marine life at http://www.enchantedlearning.com/themes/beach/animals.shtml
•   Hey, Dude! Check out this awesome International Surfing Museum: http://www.surfingmuseum.org/
• What was it like to land on the beach in Normandy on D-Day? Listen and watch hundreds of veterans recount their experiences at http://www.loc.gov/vets/stories/onthebeach.html

CREATE:

•  Here are some fun sand activities, even if the beach is far away: http://spoonful.com/family-fun/20-sand-activities-kids
•  Try some of these beach crafts for kids: http://www.tipjunkie.com/post/beach-crafts/
•  Make a creative sand castle: http://www.sandcastlecentral.com/tips/index.html provides useful tips.
• Have fun playing beach volleyball, even if you’re not at the beach: http://pbskids.org/itsmylife/body/teamsports/article3.html
• Experiment making waves by following the directions at http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/bring-science-home-beach-erosion/

CARE:

•  Learn to stay healthy at the beach, AND protect the beach: http://www2.epa.gov/beaches/plan-trip-beach
• How clean is your local beach water? Check out its quality at http://www.nrdc.org/water/oceans/ttw/default.asp
• Find out how to take a stand to protect oceans and beaches by participating in a local campaign: http://www.surfrider.org/campaigns
•  How do you save a beached whale? Follow these steps: http://www.ehow.com/how_2157535_save-beached-whale.html

CAREERS:

Think of all the people associated with beaches: scientists, lifeguards, sailing crews, maintenance people, retailers, athletes and coaches, artists, resort staff, travel agents, and realtors.

•  One large industry sector that takes advantage of beaches is hospitality: http://discoverhospitality.com/career-paths/
•   Environmental careers are discussed at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/environmental-scientists-and-specialists.htm
• Explore marine careers at http://www.marinecareers.net/field_relatedfields.php