Santa Monica Beach, Pier, & Aquarium (Jennifer Richard)

Reviewed by: Jennifer Richard, NBCT

AP Biology, AP Environmental Science, Physiology, & Biology Instructor

at Chatsworth Charter High School

Location: Santa Monica Beach, Pier, & Aquarium

Audience:

• A biology teacher would benefit visiting Santa Monica Beach and the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium because they provide local examples of marine biodiversity and coastal ecosystems. Students would have opportunities to apply their knowledge of ecological concepts to real-world examples. Additionally, students would have the opportunity to identify organisms of various taxonomic classification groups and discuss characteristics unique to those groups.

• An environmental science teacher would benefit by a visit to the Santa Monica Beach and Santa Monica Pier Aquarium because it provides local examples of coastal marine ecosystems, air and light pollution, marine water pollution, affluenza, upwelling, and many other phenomena. Students would have the opportunity to experience first-hand the ecological impact of pollution.

• A physics teacher would benefit visiting Paradise Park at the Santa Monica Pier because they could witness practical examples of the laws of motion. Students would have opportunities to apply their knowledge of physics concepts to real-world examples.

Science Concepts Addressed:

• Erosion: Ocean waves are continuously moving particles of rock and sand, potentially leading to the erosion of the shoreline.

• Marine Ecosystems: The Santa Monica Beach is sandy intertidal ecosystem.

• Oxidation: Metal objects near the shoreline show evidence of oxidation (i.e. rust).

• Upwelling: Due to wind and wave action, cooler, more dense and nutrient rich, water is brought closer to the water's surface near the shoreline.

• Pollution: Evidence of air and water pollution are evident on the Santa Monica Beach and Pier. The Santa Monica Pier Aquarium provides many demonstrations of the impact pollution has on marine wildlife.

• Community Interactions: Evidence of symbiotic relationships can be found between organisms living on the Santa Monica Beach and in the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, specifically mutualism and commensalism.

• Laws of Motion: The Paradise Pier provides many examples of physics concepts, especially with respect to the rides. These concepts include gravitational forces, centripetal forces, and acceleration.

• Biodiversity: At the Santa Monica Beach and Aquarium, students will observe diverse life forms. They can study their unique anatomy, physiology, behavior, feeding mechanisms, and adaptations that aid in their survival.

• Solar Power: Pacific Park has the world's only solar powered ferris wheel.

• Invasive Species: The Rock Dove (or common pigeon), native to Europe, northern Africa, and west Asia, is a very common bird found around the Santa Monica Beach area.

• Energy Flow Through Ecosystems: Students can observe feeding behaviors of the organisms in this area and develop food webs and food chains.

• Conservation: Students can practice ways to conserve and protect natural habitats.

Activities & Study Guides:

• Biology

  • Classification & Taxonomy Photo Scavenger Hunt

Photographs & Videos:

For additional information:

• Santa Monica Pier

  • Curriculum Site

• Heal the Bay

• California State Parks - Santa Monica State Beach