Coastal studies, as part of a project on Earth Processes, is an interesting way of getting children interested in geography and geology – most of them will be more than familiar with the seaside!
There are several useful websites:
One Kids Geology has a set of pages that explain, waves, tides, beaches and erosion. The explanations are easy, clear and have photographs to explain them. It explores the rocks that may be on the beach, the sand, crystals and sadly even plastic! The page about tides is clear; it is unbelievable that people, even those who live at the seaside, sometimes do not know about the tides! This is a good site for KS2.
The Schoolrun Homework Help has got what is probably the best KS2 website about coasts, it is thorough, detailed, has lovely photographs, lots of facts and information.
Fact Monster has a useful page simply called Coasts covering coastal erosion, sea level change and glacial cycles. Brief but free.
The BBC has an archived page suitable for coastal studies covering:
- what is a coast,
- the water cycle,
- how do coasts change,
- people and coasts,
- what happens when rivers meet coasts.
This site is old but has some lovely photographs.
Britannica Kids has a great set of pages for coastal studies covering:
- How coasts are formed
- Animals and Plants
- Fossils
- Coasts and people
- Changing coastline.
All of these headings show you the introduction to the material only, it is a subscription service. There is a free seven day trial during which time you can cancel any time if you need to but sadly it is a paid for service now.
Coast Facts – Lessons for Kids has a lesson about coastal land forms, dealing with words like cove, bay, headland, etc. There is also a quiz to follow. You need to sign up to get the lesson but it is free for 30 days!
