THE RISING TIDE PROJECT: BRINGING RESEARCH INTO THE CLASSROOM

The Rising Tide Project uses marine science based research collaborations between university researchers, local teachers, and undergraduate students to enhance scientific education. Upon completion of research projects, scientific concepts and results are translated back into the classroom via web-served, standards-based, educational activities designed for a high-school curriculum. Recent geologic activities have focused on the geomorphology and evolution of northeastern South Carolina barrier island complexes. Activities have involved (1) the use of geographic information system served aerial photography to analyze shoreline change and processes of sediment movement and accumulation and (2) simulated coring and subsequent stratigraphic correlation to understand barrier island evolution and migration. With its local emphasis and user-friendly design, the Rising Tide Project provides a sustainable approach to collaborative research between local educators to enhance science education.