Virtual Exploration of Georgia's Coastal Wetlands

“Virtual Exploration of Georgia’s Coastal Wetlands” is a curriculum created by UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant and designed to connect high school students to the coast from right inside their classrooms. 

The curriculum will empower students to become better stewards of coastal ecosystems and better understand the benefits of and threats to Georgia’s watershed resources. 

About the Curriculum

The curriculum features a Virtual Reality (VR) field trip to wetland sites along the Georgia coast. This field trip is accompanied by lessons related to salt marsh ecology, human impacts on the environment, natural hazards and resiliency. Each lesson can be delivered independently of one another or together as a series.

There are two options for taking the virtual wetland field trip:

Reserve Meta Quest Headsets

Teachers in coastal Georgia counties can reserve Meta Quest headsets for their classroom. Quantity is limited and will be distributed on a “first come, first served” basis. 
Fill out Form

Web-Based Field Trip Access

Accessible to everyone, the web-based version of the field trip is available for exploration.
Jump In

For this Virtual Reality (VR) field trip, no headsets are needed. Visit wetland sites along the Georgia coast and act like a scientist identifying organisms in the field.

Jump In

Getting Started and Pre-Curriculum Video

To get familiar with each lesson, it is recommended to review the curriculum at a glance guide here.   Students should also watch this 3-minute video before starting any of the lessons. Teachers can our introductory guide to prepare students to learn more about Georgia’s coastal wetlands.

Coastal Schools

“We [my classroom] have been able to dive into our “back-yard” and make the connection using cutting edge technology, an immediate win for both the students and teachers involved. I look forward to harnessing this curriculum for years to come!”   — Alexia Branch, Georgia Educator, Glynn County

Inland Schools

“Students were submerged and engaged in their exploration. It was nice to see them taking on various roles including data collection, collaboration and supporting each other by telling each other what to expect.”   — Dr. Christina Hylton, Georgia educator, Athens-Clarke County

Lessons

These lessons are designed to introduce students to Georgia’s coastal salt marsh ecosystem. Each PowerPoint has the option for teachers to use pre-recorded narration or lead lessons without narration. Each lesson is designed to stand alone but can be combined with other lessons for a more holistic understanding of Georgia’s coast.

Supplemental Resources, Standards, and Acknowledgments

Supplemental Teacher Resources

Education Standards

This curriculum was designed following Next Generation Science Standards for high school grades and has been tested in coastal Georgia schools. The booklet highlights the standards met through this curriculum.

Guide to Education Standards

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the following organizations and individuals for their contributions to curriculum development:

    • Rocket Club for their generous donation
    • Luke Roberson, former Adopt-A-Wetland Coordinator, UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant
    • Jill Gambill, former Coastal Community Resilience Specialist, UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant
    • 2021 – 2022 Marine Education Fellows and Education Faculty, UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant
    • Annie Schulz, 2022 – 2023 Marine Education Fellow, UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant
    • UNCW MarineQuest

Meet the Curriculum Authors

Nina Sassano
Educator and Intern Coordinator, University of Georgia Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant

Katy Smith
Water Resources Specialist, University of Georgia Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant

Contact Us

Please email communications@secoora.org if you have any questions.