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Charlotte Amalie
Friday, March 29, 2024
HomeNewsArchivesSecond-Graders Investigate Columbus Landing

Second-Graders Investigate Columbus Landing

Diane Koehnk sifts sand with second-graders.

Wednesday morning more than 70 second-graders landed on the beach at Salt River Bay National Historic Park and Ecological Preserve’s Columbus Landing. The students appeared curious and excited as they embarked on an investigative field trip.

Shazia Abdulla, a teacher at St. Croix Montessori, said her students were excited. “It was amazing what the students learned,” Abdulla said. “This type of activity gives us the seeds for more exploration and research in class.”

The St. Croix Environmental Association, in partnership with the V.I. Network of Environmental Educators, hosted the trip.

The goal of organizers is to take every second-grade student on St. Croix on an investigative field trip to either Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge, Southgate Coastal Reserve or Salt River. Taking part in this field trip were students from Juanita Gardine Elementary School, St. Croix Montessori and IQRA Academy.

The students’ inquiry-based activities focused on two main questions for the day: “Why is this area protected on St. Croix?” and “How is this area similar and different to other familiar places such as students’ homes and school grounds?”D'nyra Felix and Tamia Guadelupe look at leaves.

SEA education coordinator Lynnea Roberts said, “We’re hopeful they will get excited about science,” Roberts said. “And hopefully they will bring their parents and siblings here and show them what they’ve learned from the experts.”

One of those experts was Marcia Taylor, University of the Virgin Islands marine advisor, helping the children become familiar with their local environment.

“We want them to learn stewardship and a kinship with the environment,” Taylor said. “And ultimately we want them to protect it.”

Taylor had the children explore the beach and collect three sea items, such as shells, sponges and coral. Taylor then identified the items and explained their role in the sea environment.

Benito Vegas, National Park Service interpretive ranger, did a sea turtle researcher simulation. With a vinyl turtle he showed the students how she digs a hole and lays around 100 eggs.

He told how the researchers will tag, measure and weigh the turtle, and move the nest if necessary. Vegas also told the students how sea turtles can die from eating plastic bags thinking they are jellyfish.

He said the Park wants the students to “learn to do their part and understand the connection that everything they do is important to the environment.”

“We have to keep the beach clean,” said Mahsai Meyers, a Juanita Gardine student. “If we put plastic bags in the water, turtles will eat it and they will die.”

Benito Vegas tells students about sea turtles.Dr. William Coles from the Department of Planning and Natural Resources’ Fish and Wildlife Division introduced creatures of Salt River to the children. The students seemed a little squeamish with some girls screaming when he reached into his plastic container to grab critters like a gastropod.

Carol Cramer-Burke, SEA program director, led an exploration along the shore and explained the importance of the mangroves. Each student used a magnifying glass to get a closer look at the leaves and seeds. Cramer-Burke gave the characteristics and pointed out the difference between the red, black and white mangrove.

Jennifer Travis, a visitors’ services specialist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, took the students on an exploration through the woods looking at flora and fauna.

Diane Koehnk, SEA volunteer and retired teacher, did sand sifting with the children, collecting pieces to see what sand is made from.

“This program gives children exposure to the environment,” Koehnk said, adding that they need to know why it is important to keep the island clean.

“This was a good field trip,” said Montessori student Jessica Kubat. “It was good to learn about the environment and how we can help keep the beaches clean.”

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