A COLLABORATION WITH THE BARNSTABLE LAND TRUST
BY KELLY CHASE
A GUIDE TO EXPLORING THE OUTDOORS AS A FAMILY In a time when Zoom workshops have become the norm, longtime teacher Gilbert Newton has a refreshing idea: nature as a classroom. Newton has been teaching science for close to 50 years. He began his career in Falmouth Public Schools, and he currently teaches coastal ecology at Cape Cod Community College and Massachusetts Maritime Academy. No matter where he is teaching, his curriculum always involves outdoor exploration. “As important as technology is, it is equally as important to have firsthand experience in nature,” says Newton.
Develop a Shell Collection.
From channeled whelks to quahogs and mussels, there’s a diversity of shells on the Cape and islands. Bring a bucket and be mindful when picking up a range of shapes and sizes. Start by collecting five abandoned shells of varying lengths and widths. At home, study your collection. Arrange the shells from smallest to largest and measure each one with a ruler to determine whether the shells are littlenecks (less than 1.5 inches), cherrystones (between 1.5 and 2.5 inches), or chowder (three inches or more).
Did you know quahogs can live up to two decades? “The approximate age can be determined by examining the distinct growth rings on the outside of the shell,” writes Newton.
“Keep a field notebook of any changes that you observe,” writes Newton. “Try to visit the site periodically for about one year.”
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The health benefits of stepping outside every day are well known—from boosting vitamin D levels to increasing our capacity to focus—however, daily hikes and fall beach trips can also be educational experiences. Plus, Newton adds, when children explore and learn about the world around them, they are more likely to develop an appreciation for their greener surroundings. “If we’re going to be stewards of this environment, and we’re going to be able to solve the environmental problems we face, we need a greater appreciation of the natural world and the best way of doing
Horseshoe crab shells can be found on area beaches. These creatures are often considered “living fossils” because they were known to exist 400 million years ago (before the dinosaurs!). “The animal grows by molting from the head first,” writes Newton. This shell is what you can locate on beaches and in marshes.
Start a Nature Journal.
Frequent one area—a trail, beach, or your backyard—and keep a record of what you find. Look for plant varieties, such as salt spray rose and seaside goldenrod. In colder months, observe which plants remain. Conduct a close examination of your area before a storm and then visit after the storm has passed. “It’s fun to keep a record and it helps students to hone their observation skills,” he says. “They have to spend time, and they have to look carefully.” Newton has kept a detailed record of many beaches in Sandwich. “I’ve noticed two major changes: the shape of the beach and the temperature of the water,” he says. Newton also suggests “adopting a beach.” If there’s a particular area that is special to you, consider yourself a guardian of that area. Learn about the plants that grow and the wildlife that call it home. “You can help educate others with your knowledge and commitment,” writes Newton. “And you can provide a continuous ecological patrol of the area.”
