A GEOSCIENCE ENRICHMENT PROGRAM IN OCEANOGRAPHY FOR SECOND AND THIRD GRADE STUDENTS

A five-week geoscience enrichment program in oceanography was designed and implemented for second and third grade students at the Clinton Elementary School in Clinton, New York. Topics of focus were marine physiography, plate tectonics, coastal processes, and ocean life. Exercises and activities were incorporated into each lesson to promote active learning and encourage participation from all students. The exercises and activities were also designed to help the students answer a fundamental question that was posed at the start of each class for critical thinking about major concepts. Overall, the program provided an opportunity for elementary-age students to explore and learn about the marine environment.