Scientists classify estuaries based on their water circulation and geology. Learn about the five major types of estuaries: based on water flow salt-wedge, fjord, slightly stratified, vertically mixed, and freshwater. Great animations!
http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/kits/estuaries/
estuaries05_circulation.html
Features: Graphics/Multimedia
Estuaries are often classified by their existing geology or their geologic origins. The five major types of estuaries classified in this way are coastal plain, bar-built, delta, tectonic, and fjord. View animations to learn more about each of these.
http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/kits/estuaries/
estuaries04_geology.html
Features: Graphics/Multimedia
Examples of nearly every type of estuarine habitat exists along the coastline of the United States. Habitats are determined by the local geology and climate. View an estuarine salt marsh at high and low tide using the animated graphic on this page.
http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/kits/estuaries/
estuaries06_habitats.html
Features: Lesson Ideas, Graphics/Multimedia
The NOAA Tides and Currents Web site, managed by the Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services (CO-OPS), is the portal to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's vast collection of oceanographic and meteorological data (historical and real-time)
http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/
Features: Lesson Ideas, Data Sources
A resource guide for searching the sandy shores. Included activities are for lower grade levels.
http://www.mbayaq.org/PDF_files/activities/seasearchers/
aquarium_ss_sandyshore.pdf
Features: Hands-on Investigation