"Green
Eggs and Sand" is composed of 4 educational modules which
systematically guide students through an understanding of the horseshoe
crab, its connection to a larger ecosystem (through shorebirds), its use
by man, and finally, human attempts to manage this resource, given
limited science and multiple stakeholders.
Yet while "Green Eggs and Sand" offers multiple and complex learning
opportunities, it has been designed by teachers to be flexible and
adaptable for use at various grade levels in both the classroom and the
field. Hence, the 4 educational modules can be taught as sequential
learning blocks, but also independently of one another. For example, if
you are teaching lower grades and interested primarily in science and
math, Modules 1 and 2 can engage children with their focus on anatomy,
ecology, and hands-on activities.
At the same time, those interested in higher grade level exploration
of the issues and impacts on the human use and management side of this
topic, may wish to focus their studies on the material provided in
modules 3 and 4.
As such, module 3 introduces man's relationship to this natural
phenomenon while also introducing social science activities such as
history, economics, and statistics. It makes clear mankind's increasing
dependence on an animal that the larger ecosystem depends upon.
Finally, Module 4 addresses how increasing human use of a resource is
managed - or when limited science meets the politics of management.
This module is noteworthy because it uses the horseshoe crab harvesting
controversy, the limited data, and the insights of actual stakeholders,
scientists, and managers as material for the lessons. Ultimately,
students are asked to examine their own values and beliefs regarding
this resource by developing and justifying their own management plan.
Video segments are used to introduce all 4 modules as well as to
supplement specific lessons where appropriate. In the earlier modules,
these clips provide background, context, and a "feel" for what it's like
to be out on the beaches experiencing the birds and the crabs. In
Module 4, video segments are used throughout as part of the lessons.
These clips are primarily interviews with scientists, stakeholders, and
managers and should be reviewed before presenting them to a class.
And since there is still much more to understand about this
phenomenon, educators are encouraged to adapt these exercises or develop
their own as new scientific data is published. With this background in
mind, we wish you well in using these materials, and encourage you to
get your students out on the beach to witness the spectacle.