welcome to

coast connections

Making local environments an integrating context for science

in lincoln county school district

The Coast Connections Project was created as part of the Lincoln County Ocean Literacy Partnership, a joint program by Oregon Coast Aquarium and Lincoln County School District.

In a diverse working group including Aquarium staff, LCSD leaders, and teachers, we created an environmentally-focused science learning module for each grade level, Kindergarten through 6th grade.

These Learning Modules are based on three Best Practices that we identified together as leading to the most impactful science learning:

Driven by teacher and student curiosity

Learning is more exciting when lessons are based on genuine interest

Fueled by collaboration

Between students, their teachers, and community partners

Directly tied to local ecosystems and authentic issues

Their places, familiar spaces, and real questions are the focus

Guiding Models

Place-Based Learning (PBL)

Place-based Learning takes all of the proven methods of Project-Based Learning - authentic products and audiences, student voice and choice, content knowledge and skills, and real-world relevance - and puts them in a local context. Place-Based projects focus on issues affecting our community, right here, right now. PBE has been shown by research to positively impact local communities, increase student engagement, and boost academic outcomes.

To learn more about PBE, check out Teton Science Schools, Edutopia, and the SW Michigan Stewardship Coalition.

Benefits of PlaceBased Learning.pdf

Three Dimensional Learning

The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) were adopted by the state of Oregon in 2014. The goal of the NGSS is to give all students access to a high-quality science education that provides them with the skills and knowledge they need to be well-informed citizens, to be prepared for college and careers, and to understand and appreciate the scientific enterprise.

Unlike previous science standards that focused on fact recall, NGSS focuses on critical thinking, communication, scientific skills, and conceptual knowledge. There are three dimensions to the NGSS:

Three Dimensional Learning draws upon these dimensions - science and engineering practices, cross-cutting-concepts, and core content - to investigate authentic phenomena in the natural and human world. All Coast Connections modules are aligned to NGSS and use 3D Learning.

To learn more about the NGSS and find a wealth of resources, visit the National Science Teachers Association NGSS Hub.

Ocean Literacy

The ocean covers most of our planet, regulates our weather and climate, provides most of our oxygen, and feeds much of the human population. Our coastal ecosystems—and our way of life—are under threat from pollution, overfishing, coastline development, and other human activities.

Better public understanding of the ocean and coastal communities is vital in resolving these complex and critical issues. This understanding begins with our youth.

By connecting students to their local ecosystems and the people who work there, we’re creating the next generation of ocean-literate citizens able to understand the complex science and social issues involved in managing our natural resources.

To learn more about Ocean Literacy, visit the National Ocean Literacy Project. You can also download the complete Ocean Literacy Guide below.

The 5E Model of Instruction

The 5E Model of Instruction is a research based model for inquiry instruction built on the foundational work of earlier science educators and originally developed by Roger Bybee and the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS) team. It has become a leading method for science education world-wide.

“The 5E Model of Instruction promotes active learning. Students are involved in more than listening and reading. They learn to ask questions, observe, model, analyze, explain, draw conclusions, argue from evidence, and talk about their own understanding. Students work collaboratively with peers to construct explanations, solve problems, and plan and carry out investigations.” –Rodger Bybee

An in-depth explanation of the 5E Model is available from NSTA, or check out the Science Resource Center from San Diego County Office of Education.

want to learn more?

Contact our Teacher Programs Manager for answers and support and be sure to check out our How-To Guides for additional info!

Google Sites

Report abuse