FIELD TRIPS | Coastal Discovery Museum

Spark your students’ curiosity with a fun, educational day of hands-on learning. The Coastal Discovery Museum offers standards-based programs, featuring up-close encounters at Honey Horn and other inspiring locations.

Programs are available Monday–Friday. Fees vary by program. One adult chaperone is required for every 10 students.

Contact:
Dawn Brut - Director of Education
[email protected]
(843) 689 - 6767 ext: 228

Spark your students’ curiosity with a fun, educational day of hands-on learning. The Coastal Discovery Museum offers standards-based programs, featuring up-close encounters at Honey Horn and other inspiring locations.

Programs are available Monday–Friday. Fees vary by program. One adult chaperone is required for every 10 students.

Contact:
Dawn Brut - Director of Education
[email protected]
(843) 689 - 6767 ext: 228

HISTORY EXPERIENCES
CAMP
DIG-IT
Uncover the exciting world of archaeology with the help of a professional archaeologist. In this hands-on program, students will learn how archaeologists excavate, document, and date artifacts. Using a simulated dig site, they'll excavate and analyze items from different historical periods, gaining a deeper understanding of how we piece together the past.

Grades: 3rd – 8th
Social Study Correlations: 3.2.ER, 4.1.CO, 6.3.CE, 8.1.CC
CAMP
DIG-IT
Uncover the exciting world of archaeology with the help of a professional archaeologist. In this hands-on program, students will learn how archaeologists excavate, document, and date artifacts. Using a simulated dig site, they'll excavate and analyze items from different historical periods, gaining a deeper understanding of how we piece together the past.

Grades: 3rd – 8th
Social Study Correlations: 3.2.ER, 4.1.CO, 6.3.CE, 8.1.CC
CIVIL WAR
ON HILTON HEAD
The Civil War stands as one of the most pivotal events in American history. Discover what life was like on Hilton Head Island between 1861 and 1865 during its occupation by Union soldiers. Students will step into history as they reenact the Battle of Port Royal, gaining insight into this significant chapter of the past.

Grades: 3rd - 12th
Social Study Correlations: 4.4.CO, 4.4.CE, 4.4.CX, 4.4.E
CIVIL WAR
ON HILTON HEAD
The Civil War stands as one of the most pivotal events in American history. Discover what life was like on Hilton Head Island between 1861 and 1865 during its occupation by Union soldiers. Students will step into history as they reenact the Battle of Port Royal, gaining insight into this significant chapter of the past.

Grades: 3rd - 12th
Social Study Correlations: 4.4.CO, 4.4.CE, 4.4.CX, 4.4.E
COOPERATION AND CONFLICT:
NATIVE AMERICANS AND EUROPEANS IN PORT ROYAL SOUND
Explore the early encounters between Native Americans in the Port Royal Sound region and the European settlers. Learn how trade—once a foundation for cooperation—eventually became a source of tension and conflict. Students will create and use a vibrant red dye made from dried cochineal insects, just as Native Americans once did when trading with Europeans for iron tools and other goods.

Grades: 3rd - 12th
Social Study Correlations: 3.2.ER, 3.4.HS, 3.5.HS, 4.1.CO, 4.1.CX, 6.3.CO, 6.3.CE, 6.3.CX, 8.1.CC
COOPERATION AND CONFLICT:
NATIVE AMERICANS AND EUROPEANS IN PORT ROYAL SOUND
Explore the early encounters between Native Americans in the Port Royal Sound region and the European settlers. Learn how trade—once a foundation for cooperation—eventually became a source of tension and conflict. Students will create and use a vibrant red dye made from dried cochineal insects, just as Native Americans once did when trading with Europeans for iron tools and other goods.

Grades: 3rd - 12th
Social Study Correlations: 3.2.ER, 3.4.HS, 3.5.HS, 4.1.CO, 4.1.CX, 6.3.CO, 6.3.CE, 6.3.CX, 8.1.CC
INDIGO
TIE-DYE
Explore the rich history of indigo with a costumed presenter and discover how Eliza Lucas Pinckney introduced this valuable plant to the Lowcountry. Learn why indigo became a vital cash crop in South Carolina during the 1700s. As part of the experience, students tie-dye a T-shirt using indigo dye and learn about the traditional methods used to produce it from the indigo plant. Students need to bring one white cotton T-shirt.

Grades: 2nd – 12th
Social Study Correlations: 3.2.ER, 3.4.HS, 3.5.HS, 4.1.CO, 4.1.CE, 4.1.CC, 4.1.E, 6.3.CE, 8.1.CE, 8.1.P
INDIGO
TIE-DYE
Explore the rich history of indigo with a costumed presenter and discover how Eliza Lucas Pinckney introduced this valuable plant to the Lowcountry. Learn why indigo became a vital cash crop in South Carolina during the 1700s. As part of the experience, students tie-dye a T-shirt using indigo dye and learn about the traditional methods used to produce it from the indigo plant. Students need to bring one white cotton T-shirt.

Grades: 2nd – 12th
Social Study Correlations: 3.2.ER, 3.4.HS, 3.5.HS, 4.1.CO, 4.1.CE, 4.1.CC, 4.1.E, 6.3.CE, 8.1.CE, 8.1.P
LIFE IN
COLONIAL TIMES
Life in colonial South Carolina was both different from and similar to life today. In this interactive program, students will compare the past and present by examining reproduction artifacts and historical images. They'll also experience 18th-century fun by playing traditional colonial games and creating an authentic ‘headache sack’ to take home.

Grades: K – 3rd
Social Study Correlations: 3.4.PR, 3.4.AG, 4.1.P
LIFE IN
COLONIAL TIMES
Life in colonial South Carolina was both different from and similar to life today. In this interactive program, students will compare the past and present by examining reproduction artifacts and historical images. They'll also experience 18th-century fun by playing traditional colonial games and creating an authentic ‘headache sack’ to take home.

Grades: K – 3rd
Social Study Correlations: 3.4.PR, 3.4.AG, 4.1.P
LIVING HISTORY
WITH CAPTAIN WILLIAM HILTON
Meet Captain William Hilton and uncover the story of his 1663 exploration of the Carolina coast—a journey that led to an island being named in his honor. Students step into the world of 17th-century seafaring to learn what life was like aboard his ship. This includes examining key navigation tools like the chip log used to measure speed, and the lead line used to determine water depth. They'll also get hands-on experience practicing traditional sailors’ knots.

Grades: 3rd – 8th
Social Study Correlations: 3.1.AG, 3.2.ER, 3.4.HS, 3.5.HS, 4.1.CO, 4.1.CE, 4.1.CX, 6.3.P, 8.1.CO, 8.1.P
LIVING HISTORY
WITH CAPTAIN WILLIAM HILTON
Meet Captain William Hilton and uncover the story of his 1663 exploration of the Carolina coast—a journey that led to an island being named in his honor. Students step into the world of 17th-century seafaring to learn what life was like aboard his ship. This includes examining key navigation tools like the chip log used to measure speed, and the lead line used to determine water depth. They'll also get hands-on experience practicing traditional sailors’ knots.

Grades: 3rd – 8th
Social Study Correlations: 3.1.AG, 3.2.ER, 3.4.HS, 3.5.HS, 4.1.CO, 4.1.CE, 4.1.CX, 6.3.P, 8.1.CO, 8.1.P
MEDICINE IN
COLONIAL TIMES
What was healthcare like in colonial South Carolina? In this eye-opening program, students will explore how illness and disease were treated during colonial times through an engaging presentation and replica artifacts. They'll also examine the medical practices of the era by analyzing the treatments given to George Washington during his final illness.

Grades: 4th - 12th
Social Study Correlations: 4.1.E, 4.2.E
MEDICINE IN
COLONIAL TIMES
What was healthcare like in colonial South Carolina? In this eye-opening program, students will explore how illness and disease were treated during colonial times through an engaging presentation and replica artifacts. They'll also examine the medical practices of the era by analyzing the treatments given to George Washington during his final illness.

Grades: 4th - 12th
Social Study Correlations: 4.1.E, 4.2.E
NATIVE AMERICANS
ON HILTON HEAD
Imagine what life was like along the coast 4,000 years ago. Using artifacts, illustrations, and replicas, students explore the lives of the Native peoples who once lived here and discover how they met their daily needs. They’ll discover how archaeologists uncover the past by studying artifacts, examine authentic pottery shards, and create their own replica pinch pots using clay and natural tools.

Grades: K – 3rd
Social Study Correlations: K.H.2, K.H.3, K.E.1, 1.H.3, 2.H.3, 3.2.2.ER, 3.2.3.ER
NATIVE AMERICANS
ON HILTON HEAD
Imagine what life was like along the coast 4,000 years ago. Using artifacts, illustrations, and replicas, students explore the lives of the Native peoples who once lived here and discover how they met their daily needs. They’ll discover how archaeologists uncover the past by studying artifacts, examine authentic pottery shards, and create their own replica pinch pots using clay and natural tools.

Grades: K – 3rd
Social Study Correlations: K.H.2, K.H.3, K.E.1, 1.H.3, 2.H.3, 3.2.2.ER, 3.2.3.ER
NATURAL HISTORY EXPERIENCES
ALL ABOUT OWLS
(OWL PELLET DISSECTION)
From beak to tail, owls are equipped with extraordinary adaptations that make them masters of the night. In this hands-on avian investigation, students will explore a variety of owl species, uncover the secrets behind their success as nocturnal predators, and dissect real owl pellets to gain insight into their diet, place in the food chain, and impact on local ecosystems.

Grades: 2nd – 12th
Science Correlations: 3-LS4-3, 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-2, 5-PS3-1, 5-LS2-1
ALL ABOUT OWLS
(OWL PELLET DISSECTION)
From beak to tail, owls are equipped with extraordinary adaptations that make them masters of the night. In this hands-on avian investigation, students will explore a variety of owl species, uncover the secrets behind their success as nocturnal predators, and dissect real owl pellets to gain insight into their diet, place in the food chain, and impact on local ecosystems.

Grades: 2nd – 12th
Science Correlations: 3-LS4-3, 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-2, 5-PS3-1, 5-LS2-1
BEACH
DISCOVERY

Join us for a hands-on seaside adventure! Students will explore the amazing world of the coast—crawl into the life of a sea turtle, build a model barrier island, and set off on a shell-tastic safari. Along the way, they’ll discover what makes the beach habitat unique and learn why this special ecosystem matters—and how they can help protect it!

Meets at Fish Haul Beach Park on Hilton Head Island.

Grades: PreK – 12th
Science Correlations: K-LS1-1. K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1, K-ESS3-3, 1-LS1-1, 1-LS1-2, 2-LS4-1, 2-ESS2-1, 2-ESS2-3, 2-ESS3-1, 3-LS1-1, 3-LS3-2, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-2, 4-ESS2-1, 5-LS2-1, 5-ESS2-2
BEACH
DISCOVERY

Join us for a hands-on seaside adventure! Students will explore the amazing world of the coast—crawl into the life of a sea turtle, build a model barrier island, and set off on a shell-tastic safari. Along the way, they’ll discover what makes the beach habitat unique and learn why this special ecosystem matters—and how they can help protect it!

Meets at Fish Haul Beach Park on Hilton Head Island.

Grades: PreK – 12th
Science Correlations: K-LS1-1. K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1, K-ESS3-3, 1-LS1-1, 1-LS1-2, 2-LS4-1, 2-ESS2-1, 2-ESS2-3, 2-ESS3-1, 3-LS1-1, 3-LS3-2, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-2, 4-ESS2-1, 5-LS2-1, 5-ESS2-2
BUTTERFLY
BIOLOGY

Get ready to flutter through the captivating world of butterflies! Students will explore each stage of the butterfly life cycle—from tiny eggs to wiggly caterpillars, cozy chrysalises, and finally, beautiful winged butterflies. Through hands-on activities and up-close observations, they'll discover how butterflies grow, change, and survive in the wild. It’s a magical metamorphosis you won’t want to miss!

School groups are welcome to participate in this program any time of year, however, the Museum’s enclosed butterfly habitat is only active with live butterflies from May – September.

Grades: PreK – 12th
Science Correlations: K-LS1-1. K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1, K-ESS3-3, 1-LS1-1, 1-LS1-2, 2-ESS3-1, 3-LS1-1, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-2, 5-PS3-1, 5-LS2-1
BUTTERFLY
BIOLOGY

Get ready to flutter through the captivating world of butterflies! Students will explore each stage of the butterfly life cycle—from tiny eggs to wiggly caterpillars, cozy chrysalises, and finally, beautiful winged butterflies. Through hands-on activities and up-close observations, they'll discover how butterflies grow, change, and survive in the wild. It’s a magical metamorphosis you won’t want to miss!

School groups are welcome to participate in this program any time of year, however, the Museum’s enclosed butterfly habitat is only active with live butterflies from May – September.

Grades: PreK – 12th
Science Correlations: K-LS1-1. K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1, K-ESS3-3, 1-LS1-1, 1-LS1-2, 2-ESS3-1, 3-LS1-1, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-2, 5-PS3-1, 5-LS2-1
FASCINATING
PHYTOPLANKTON

What is plankton, and why does it matter? Using real scientific sampling techniques, students will explore the diverse types of plankton found in our coastal waters and discover why these tiny organisms are essential to life on Earth.

Through the lens of a microscope, students will identify different species of phytoplankton and zooplankton, gaining a deeper understanding of their vital roles in supporting marine ecosystems and the health of our oceans.

Grades: 2nd - 12th
Science Correlations: 2-ESS3-1, 3-LS1-1, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-2, 5-LS2-1, 6-LS1-1, 7-LS1-6
FASCINATING
PHYTOPLANKTON

What is plankton, and why does it matter? Using real scientific sampling techniques, students will explore the diverse types of plankton found in our coastal waters and discover why these tiny organisms are essential to life on Earth.

Through the lens of a microscope, students will identify different species of phytoplankton and zooplankton, gaining a deeper understanding of their vital roles in supporting marine ecosystems and the health of our oceans.

Grades: 2nd - 12th
Science Correlations: 2-ESS3-1, 3-LS1-1, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-2, 5-LS2-1, 6-LS1-1, 7-LS1-6
HORSESHOE CRABS:
SUPERHEROES OF THE OCEAN
Grades: 1st – 3rd

With its tough armor, lifesaving blue blood, and ancient origins, the horseshoe crab is one of the ocean’s most fascinating and misunderstood marine invertebrates.

Join us as we dive into the world of this incredible living fossil! Students will explore the horseshoe crab’s life cycle, unique adaptations, and the important role it plays in marine ecosystems. From its built-in defense system to its powers of survival, discover why the horseshoe crab is truly a superhero of the ocean.

HORSESHOE CRABS:
HORSESHOE CRAB LAB
Grades: 4th – 12th

Take a scientific deep dive into the world of one of the ocean’s oldest and most fascinating creatures — the horseshoe crab! In this hands-on lab, students will apply the scientific method to explore the anatomy, life cycle, and ecological importance of these living fossils.

Through guided inquiry and observation, they'll gain a deeper appreciation for the role horseshoe crabs play in coastal ecosystems—and in modern science.

Science Correlations: 1-LS1-1, 1-LS1-2, 1-LS3-1, 1-ESS1-1, 2-ESS3-1, 3-LSI-1, 3-LS4-1, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-1, 5-LS2-1
HORSESHOE CRABS:
SUPERHEROES OF THE OCEAN
Grades: 1st – 3rd

With its tough armor, lifesaving blue blood, and ancient origins, the horseshoe crab is one of the ocean’s most fascinating and misunderstood marine invertebrates.

Join us as we dive into the world of this incredible living fossil! Students will explore the horseshoe crab’s life cycle, unique adaptations, and the important role it plays in marine ecosystems. From its built-in defense system to its powers of survival, discover why the horseshoe crab is truly a superhero of the ocean.

HORSESHOE CRABS:
HORSESHOE CRAB LAB
Grades: 4th – 12th

Take a scientific deep dive into the world of one of the ocean’s oldest and most fascinating creatures — the horseshoe crab! In this hands-on lab, students will apply the scientific method to explore the anatomy, life cycle, and ecological importance of these living fossils.

Through guided inquiry and observation, they'll gain a deeper appreciation for the role horseshoe crabs play in coastal ecosystems—and in modern science.

Science Correlations: 1-LS1-1, 1-LS1-2, 1-LS3-1, 1-ESS1-1, 2-ESS3-1, 3-LSI-1, 3-LS4-1, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-1, 5-LS2-1
NATIVE PLANTS
GO AND GROW
Take a short hike through the Museum’s gardens and natural habitats and uncover special adaptations, historical uses, and importance of some fascinating native plants. Explore the unique adaptations and needs of carnivorous plants, edible plants, host plants, poisonous plants, and more! Students will decorate their own biodegradable pots and plant a seed to take home and grow—learning what plants need to survive and thrive.

Grades: K – 12th
Science Correlations: K-LS1-1. K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1, K-ESS3-3, 1-LS1-1, 2-LS2-1, 2LS4-1, 2-ESS3-1, 3-LS1-1, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-2, 5-PS3-1, 5-LS1-1, 5-LS2-1
NATIVE PLANTS
GO AND GROW
Take a short hike through the Museum’s gardens and natural habitats and uncover special adaptations, historical uses, and importance of some fascinating native plants. Explore the unique adaptations and needs of carnivorous plants, edible plants, host plants, poisonous plants, and more! Students will decorate their own biodegradable pots and plant a seed to take home and grow—learning what plants need to survive and thrive.

Grades: K – 12th
Science Correlations: K-LS1-1. K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1, K-ESS3-3, 1-LS1-1, 2-LS2-1, 2LS4-1, 2-ESS3-1, 3-LS1-1, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-2, 5-PS3-1, 5-LS1-1, 5-LS2-1
PINCKNEY ISLAND
HABITAT HIKE

Step into the wild and explore the incredible diversity of habitats found within Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge! This immersive field experience takes students on a journey through three distinct ecosystems: the maritime forest, salt marsh, and freshwater ponds.

Through guided observation, students will learn how each habitat supports different plant and animal communities, and how all are connected within the coastal ecosystem. They’ll also explore the adaptations that help organisms survive in each environment, and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of protecting these wild spaces.

This is a 1.5 mile roundtrip walking tour that meets at Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge. There are no restrooms on Pinckney Island.

Grades: 2nd - 12th
Science Correlations: 2.LS2-1, 2-LS4-1, 2-ESS2-3, 2-ESS3-1, 3-LS1-1, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-2, 5-PS3-1, 5-LS2-1
PINCKNEY ISLAND
HABITAT HIKE

Step into the wild and explore the incredible diversity of habitats found within Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge! This immersive field experience takes students on a journey through three distinct ecosystems: the maritime forest, salt marsh, and freshwater ponds.

Through guided observation, students will learn how each habitat supports different plant and animal communities, and how all are connected within the coastal ecosystem. They’ll also explore the adaptations that help organisms survive in each environment, and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of protecting these wild spaces.

This is a 1.5 mile roundtrip walking tour that meets at Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge. There are no restrooms on Pinckney Island.

Grades: 2nd - 12th
Science Correlations: 2.LS2-1, 2-LS4-1, 2-ESS2-3, 2-ESS3-1, 3-LS1-1, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-2, 5-PS3-1, 5-LS2-1
REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS
A CLOSER LOOK
Grades: PreK -3rd

Alligators, snakes, and turtles, oh my! Slither, crawl, and hop into the world of reptiles and amphibians. What makes them different? Let’s find out together! Students will meet some real, live animals and learn all about their super survival adaptations. It’s going to be a hoppin’ good time!

REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS
CSI: CRITTER SCENE INVESTIGATORS
Grades: 3rd – 12th

Uh-oh! There’s been some sneaky business in the animal kingdom—and clues are everywhere! Was it a tricky turtle? Or a suspicious snake?

Join our junior detective team as we crack the case! Students will investigate silly (and completely pretend) reptile and amphibian “crimes.” By examining clues like tracks, shed skins, scents, sounds, and meeting a few live animals, they'll uncover the cool and clever adaptations these cold-blooded creatures use to survive in the wild!

Science Correlations: K-LS1-1. K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1, K-ESS3-3, 1-LS1-1, 1-LS1-2, 2-LS4-1, 2-ESS3-1, 3-LS1-1, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-2, 5LS2-1
REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS
A CLOSER LOOK
Grades: PreK -3rd

Alligators, snakes, and turtles, oh my! Slither, crawl, and hop into the world of reptiles and amphibians. What makes them different? Let’s find out together! Students will meet some real, live animals and learn all about their super survival adaptations. It’s going to be a hoppin’ good time!

REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS
CSI: CRITTER SCENE INVESTIGATORS
Grades: 3rd – 12th

Uh-oh! There’s been some sneaky business in the animal kingdom—and clues are everywhere! Was it a tricky turtle? Or a suspicious snake?

Join our junior detective team as we crack the case! Students will investigate silly (and completely pretend) reptile and amphibian “crimes.” By examining clues like tracks, shed skins, scents, sounds, and meeting a few live animals, they'll uncover the cool and clever adaptations these cold-blooded creatures use to survive in the wild!

Science Correlations: K-LS1-1. K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1, K-ESS3-3, 1-LS1-1, 1-LS1-2, 2-LS4-1, 2-ESS3-1, 3-LS1-1, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-2, 5LS2-1
SALT MARSH
MARSH CRITTERS
Grades: PreK – 2nd

The salt marsh is full of surprises—and critters! In this fun, and hands-on program, young explorers will meet some of the animals that call the salt marsh home, like crabs, snails, mussels, and more.

Students will learn how these wild residents survive in a muddy world that’s always changing with the tides. With each new creature, they'll discover cool adaptations and fun facts that bring the marsh to life.

SALT MARSH
ECOSYSTEM EXPLORATION
Grades: 3rd-12th

Did you know that nearly half of Beaufort County is comprised of salt marshes and winding waterways? In this hands-on program, students will explore the unique and vital world of the salt marsh ecosystem.

Get up close with crabs, mussels, snails, and more as we investigate both the biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors that shape this ever-changing habitat. Students will learn about the biology and behavior of salt marsh organisms and how they’re specially adapted to survive in a world ruled by the tides.

From low tide to high tide, this immersive experience offers an up-close look at one of our region’s most important ecosystems!

Science Correlations: K-LS1-1. K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1, K-ESS3-3, 1-LS1-1, 1-LS1-2, 2-LS2-1, 2-LS4-1, 2-ESS2-1, 2-ESS2-3, 2-ESS3-1, 3-LS1-1, 3-LS3-2, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-2, 4-ESS2-1, 5-LS2-1
SALT MARSH
MARSH CRITTERS
Grades: PreK – 2nd

The salt marsh is full of surprises—and critters! In this fun, and hands-on program, young explorers will meet some of the animals that call the salt marsh home, like crabs, snails, mussels, and more.

Students will learn how these wild residents survive in a muddy world that’s always changing with the tides. With each new creature, they'll discover cool adaptations and fun facts that bring the marsh to life.

SALT MARSH
ECOSYSTEM EXPLORATION
Grades: 3rd-12th

Did you know that nearly half of Beaufort County is comprised of salt marshes and winding waterways? In this hands-on program, students will explore the unique and vital world of the salt marsh ecosystem.

Get up close with crabs, mussels, snails, and more as we investigate both the biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors that shape this ever-changing habitat. Students will learn about the biology and behavior of salt marsh organisms and how they’re specially adapted to survive in a world ruled by the tides.

From low tide to high tide, this immersive experience offers an up-close look at one of our region’s most important ecosystems!

Science Correlations: K-LS1-1. K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1, K-ESS3-3, 1-LS1-1, 1-LS1-2, 2-LS2-1, 2-LS4-1, 2-ESS2-1, 2-ESS2-3, 2-ESS3-1, 3-LS1-1, 3-LS3-2, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-2, 4-ESS2-1, 5-LS2-1
SEA TURTLE
LIFE

Sea turtles live truly extraordinary lives—from tiny hatchlings scrambling to the sea, to powerful adults navigating entire oceans. In this exciting program, students will follow the incredible life cycle of the Loggerhead Sea Turtle, learning about the challenges they face from egg to adulthood.

Through interactive activities and storytelling, students will discover the unique adaptations that help sea turtles survive and thrive in the wild. They'll also learn simple, meaningful ways they can help protect these fascinating marine creatures and the habitats they call home.

Grades: 1st - 12th
Science Correlations: 1.LS1-1, 1-LS1-2, 2-ESS3-1, 3-LS1-1, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-2, 5-LS2-1
SEA TURTLE
LIFE

Sea turtles live truly extraordinary lives—from tiny hatchlings scrambling to the sea, to powerful adults navigating entire oceans. In this exciting program, students will follow the incredible life cycle of the Loggerhead Sea Turtle, learning about the challenges they face from egg to adulthood.

Through interactive activities and storytelling, students will discover the unique adaptations that help sea turtles survive and thrive in the wild. They'll also learn simple, meaningful ways they can help protect these fascinating marine creatures and the habitats they call home.

Grades: 1st - 12th
Science Correlations: 1.LS1-1, 1-LS1-2, 2-ESS3-1, 3-LS1-1, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-2, 5-LS2-1
SQUID
DISSECTION

Dive into the wonders of marine life with our hands-on Squid Dissection experience and get up close and personal with one of the ocean’s fastest marine invertebrates!

Students will examine both the external and internal anatomy of a squid, identifying key features such as the tentacles, beak, gills, and ink sac. As they dissect, they’ll uncover the unique adaptations that make squid such agile and elusive predators—learning how they use jet propulsion to dart through the water, and ink to escape from threats.

This immersive experience not only reinforces biological concepts like organ systems, adaptation, and predator-prey relationships, but also encourages observation, inquiry, and hands-on scientific investigation.

Grades: 4th – 12th
Science Correlations: 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-2, 5-LS2-1
SQUID
DISSECTION

Dive into the wonders of marine life with our hands-on Squid Dissection experience and get up close and personal with one of the ocean’s fastest marine invertebrates!

Students will examine both the external and internal anatomy of a squid, identifying key features such as the tentacles, beak, gills, and ink sac. As they dissect, they’ll uncover the unique adaptations that make squid such agile and elusive predators—learning how they use jet propulsion to dart through the water, and ink to escape from threats.

This immersive experience not only reinforces biological concepts like organ systems, adaptation, and predator-prey relationships, but also encourages observation, inquiry, and hands-on scientific investigation.

Grades: 4th – 12th
Science Correlations: 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-2, 5-LS2-1
 
THANK YOU!

Thank you to our sponsors for providing funding that enables us to provide high quality,
standard-based educational experiences for school groups.

- The Bargain Box
- Breedlove Foundation
- Palmetto Electric Trust
- SC Humanities

 
THANK YOU!

Thank you to our sponsors for providing funding that enables us to provide high quality, standard-based educational experiences for school groups.
- The Bargain Box
- Breedlove Foundation
- Palmetto Electric Trust
- SC Humanities

Mon.-Sat. 9am-4:30pm | Sun. 11am-4:30pm FREE ADMISSION