Students in PreK through second grade studied marine science during a trip to Cedar Beach on the North Shore. The students were able to become familiar with fascinating marine creatures by investigating mollusks like clams, scallops and mussels and learned that while these creatures have a tough outer shell, they are actually soft-bodied invertebrates inside. The students were especially intrigued by the hermit crab, which unlike mollusks, is a crustacean that finds and borrows its shell instead of growing one. 

The highlight of the trip was the touch tank, where students gently held horseshoe crabs, mussels and hermit crabs. They studied the aquarium tanks displayed with stories of marine care and conservation. 

Seining along the shoreline also offered another exciting moment of discovery. As students pulled their nets from the water, they found tiny shrimp and killifish wriggling inside – evidence of a shared and thriving habitat right beneath the surface.  

The trip brought classroom science to life in the most memorable way. 

Click here to view the Seaside Scientists Study Marine Life at Cedar Beach slideshow.

Date Added: 6/4/2025