Living on a barrier beach means learning to live with the ever-changing shoreline and preparing for the storms that shape it. Woodhull School third and fourth grade students recently became coastal engineers during an environmental education class, diving into the science behind seawalls and how these structures help protect coastal communities like Ocean Beach. 

The students were tasked with building a seawall strong enough to withstand erosion, using only everyday materials and a set budget. Working in small  groups, the students carefully considered how to get the most out of their “engineering funds,” balancing cost, design and function.  

Once their prototypes were built, the students tested their seawalls under simulated storm conditions. They measured the impact of erosion, observed the effects of weathering and reflected on how natural materials like rocks and minerals might make their designs even stronger. 

Through hands-on experimentation and thoughtful collaboration, these young engineers learned how science, creativity and sustainability come together to meet real-world challenges right in their own back yard. 

Click here to view the Young Coastal Engineers at Work slideshow.

Date Added: 5/13/2025