The activities in this guide (for grades 2-4) transport students to the sandy shore, one of the most fascinating ecosystems on the planet. At this ecological juncture a multiplicity of life forms find ways to survive, thrive, and interact with each other. Using a wide variety of learning formats, students explore and deepen their understanding of the many aspects of the sandy shore, from the grains of sand to characteristic plants, animals, and more complex biological and ecological interactions. This unit has five main activities, each of which contains multiple class sessions. Each activity is composed of three main pieces: "Into the Activities" helps students recall what they already know about the activity topic; "Through the Activities" contains experiments, simulations, demonstrations, games, and facts to help students build on their knowledge and acquire, construct, and reflect on new concepts and information; and "Beyond the Activities" provides opportunities for students, usually in groups, to explore the content further, applying what they have learned to new situations through self-designed projects, research, and home activities. Activities include Beach Bucket Scavenger Hunt, Sand on Stage, The Sights the Sand Has Seen, Build a Sandy Beach, and Oil on the Beach. Also included are a list of resources, assessment suggestions, literature connections, and summary outlines. (JRH)