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3rd Graders Discover Biomes & Animal Life At Barrier Island

Dolphins, alligators, and pelicans, oh my! These are just a few of the animals that third grade students encountered as we traveled to Bulls Island last Wednesday to learn about South Carolina's biomes and animal life.

Bulls Island is the largest of four barrier islands in the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. As we ventured off in the cool breeze on the 30 minute boat ride over to the island, students saw dolphins swimming, seagulls and pelicans flying, and even an Oystercatcher bird. They discovered what a barrier island is and discussed the food chain, learning about apex predators, such as alligators. They also discussed how marsh grass (Spartina) is one of the only plants that can survive in this type of estuary ecosystem and how it decomposes each season into pluff mud and then grows again year after year! On the trip, we found ourselves right over a 70-foot deep shark hole and learned how there are only two in the area. The other one is over near Sullivan’s Island.  

We took a step back in time as we arrived at Bulls Island. We learned about how the island was originally inhabited by the Sewee Native Americans in the 1600’s and they called the island Oneiscau. There is one house still standing on the island and former US State Senator, Gayer Dominick, who bought the island in 1925, owned it. The house was used as an inn until 1969. Dominick later gave the island to the National Wildlife Refuge. While standing under a beautiful, large oak tree next to the blue house, we learned more about oak trees, resurrection fern, and Spanish moss. We saw several baby alligators as we hiked towards the beach. Students found beautiful shells and learned about sea pansies while spending time together on the beach. Several of the items found prompted great questions on the boat ride back about vertebrates and invertebrates. 

When asking students about their favorite parts of the trip, they replied with, “the boat ride”, “seeing baby alligators”, and “collecting large and unique shells.”

2nd Graders Gain Insight Into The Lives & Habitats Of Birds of Prey

The second grade had an exciting field trip to the Birds of Prey Center in Awendaw last Friday. The children got to learn from experts about the natural history of the raptors. They observed a flight demonstration and were educated on the flight patterns, hunting techniques, and migratory patterns of the red tail hawk, black vulture, wood owl, burrowing owl, and yellow-billed kite. Everyone got to practice patience as they waited for the wood owl to decide he was ready to leave his perch in a nearby tree! The second graders learned the value of these birds in our ecosystem and things that they can do to protect them. It was a wonderful day and everyone was in awe of these majestic creatures that God created!