Young Scientists with Big Ideas: Bresnahan Second Graders Take on Climate Change!

This week, the Bresnahan Second Graders got a special visit from the non-profit organization, “Change is Simple”. On Wednesday and Thursday, students took part in multiple hands-on lessons about climate change, specifically coastal erosion.

At the outdoor stations, students explored “man-made solutions” to erosion, using materials meant to mimic rock walls, jetties, and sea barriers. They also tested “natural solutions”, like sea grass and models of mangrove trees. Using the wave tank, students experimented with different methods to see which best slowed coastal erosion.

Additionally, students got to tour inside the SCILL (Sustainability & Climate Innovation Learning Lab), which is a trailer transformed into a mobile science lab. Here, they participated in interactive lessons, like learning about climate change and the timeline of coastal erosion through the interactive map. They even discovered how much energy goes into turning on a lightbulb by using an energy pedal!

Through fun, memorable lessons, our second graders gained a deeper understanding of how coastal erosion effects our world- and what we can do about it.

Special Thanks to...

"Change is Simple” Lead Educators Lauren Kusinski, Jackie Murphy, Laura Dissly, Tim Lajoie, and Amelia Wilson for running the lessons, and helping our second graders become young environmental scientists!

Bresnahan's own Second Grade Teacher, Katara Harding, for organizing this whole event, and making such a fun and educational visit happen!

"Resilient Newburyport" and the "Storm Surge" group for funding and creating the pilot collaboration program that allowed our second graders to have this opportunity!