Low Energy Beaches

Johnny Spears
Schofield Middle School
Hello! My name is Johnny Spears. I teach
seventh grade science at Schofield
Middle School in Aiken, South Carolina. My students are the best! We
work on many different concepts in class, even some environmental science.
During our study of ecosystems and environments, I like to focus on everyone's
favorite vacation spot - the coast.
Like thousands of people each summer, I like to head
to the coast. There is so much to do and see on the coast. When many
people hear the words "the beach", they often think of sun, sand,
and surf. The word beach brings to mind picturesque sunrises, soothing
sounds of waves crashing on the shore, and the hint of coconut from suntan
oil that lingers in the air. Many people find some tranquility while
on the beach. Others truly love standing waist deep in the rolling
surf fishing for a challenging game fish. What do you think of when
you hear the word beach?
While many people flock to the beach each summer, they
typically go to what is known as a high energy beach. They are great,
but there is another type of beach that exists on the coast - a low energy
beach. Low energy beaches are quiet compared to a high energy beach,
with a higher diversity of organisms. They are fascinating to visit
if you have the opportunity.
Read on to the lesson content page
about low energy beaches to learn more.
Go to the second page of lesson content.
The views expressed in this page are not necessarily the views of the University
of South Carolina Aiken.
http://rpsec.usca.sc.edu/Classwork/731sp2001/Lesson/Spears/ (January
2001)