From Shoreline to Salt Marsh: Oceanography Students Discover Sandy Hook

On Thursday, October 9, Mr. Turner’s P'26 Oceanography class ventured to Sandy Hook, part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, for a day of hands-on scientific discovery. The trip offered students the opportunity to connect classroom concepts with real-world marine science and coastal ecology.

Students explored the area’s dynamic marine ecosystem through the lens of the people who have used and shaped the land over time. They began by studying the beach profile to observe how the shoreline changes due to erosion and deposition, comparing their findings to data collected from previous field trips. The class also investigated how human-made structures, such as groins, jetties, and beach replenishment projects, impact the natural movement of sand along the coast.

As they made their way from the shoreline to the dunes, students examined dune plant succession, learning how plant communities evolve and grow more complex over time.

The group then turned their attention to the bay, where they used seining nets to explore life within the tidal range. Their catches included striped killifish, mummichogs, and silversides, giving students an up-close look at local biodiversity while deepening their understanding of salt marsh ecology.

To conclude the trip, students explored the rich human history of Sandy Hook. They learned how the land has been used by the Lenape people, early colonists, the U.S. military during both World Wars, and today by the U.S. Coast Guard and National Park Service. The class capped off their visit with tours of the historic Sandy Hook Lighthouse, Fort Hancock, and the Proving Ground.

Students who participated in the trip included:
Nathan Chen '28
Kelly Cross '28
Adit Dahiya '28
Teddy Greller '28
Andrew Ikhelson '28
Tomas Kennedy Valenzuela '28
Giovanna Lattarulo '28
Viviana Lisk '28
Eli Morse '28
Molly Neider '28
David Thompson '28
Samara Tichauer '28
Blake Tiger '28