Mrs. Davis Leads Students on a Hands-On Journey Through One of the World’s Most Vital Ecosystems

Each spring for the past 15 years, HHCA’s beloved Middle School Science Mentor, Mrs. Tamara Davis, has packed up her 7th-grade students, grabbed paddles and life jackets, and set off on a day of learning and adventure that’s become a treasured tradition.

This year’s annual kayak excursion, a highlight of HHCA’s inquiry-based science curriculum, once again brought students face-to-face with the wonders of our local environment—the Salt Marsh Estuary—one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet.

As a culminating experience to their unit on Biomes and Communities, students launched from Shelter Cove Marina on Hilton Head Island, participating in the Kids in Kayaks program offered by Outside Hilton Head. Guided by seasoned naturalists, students explored the unique landscape of the Lowcountry from the seat of a kayak, observing firsthand the beauty and biodiversity of the salt marsh, second only to the tropical rainforest in global ecological diversity.

It’s one thing to read about biomes in a textbook, but it’s something entirely different to sit in the middle of one and feel the sun, the wind, and the water all around you. I believe this trip truly makes my students appreciate the environment in which they live and makes them eager to protect it.

Mrs. Tamara Davis, HHCA Science Mentor

The experience included a 90-minute kayak tour through the winding waterways of the marsh, where students encountered oyster beds, fiddler crabs, shorebirds, and the lush expanses of Spartina grass that define this habitat. After the paddle, students engaged in hands-on, on-shore learning stations led by Outside HHI naturalists. These mini-lessons covered topics like water quality testing, dock fouling, and the crucial role that oysters play in filtering water and stabilizing shoreline ecosystems.

Students also learned how Spartina grass serves as the backbone of the salt marsh, offering both a nursery for young marine life and a natural defense against erosion. The impact of pollution on these delicate ecosystems was also addressed, reinforcing the importance of stewardship in preserving the unique natural resources we are blessed to call home.

Through this immersive experience, HHCA’s 7th graders not only deepened their scientific understanding, but also developed a personal connection to the landscape around them—an embodiment of our commitment to inquiry-based, experiential learning that inspires students to explore, ask questions, and grow in appreciation of God’s creation.

We’re grateful to Mrs. Davis for her continued passion and dedication, and to Outside Hilton Head for their partnership in bringing this incredible experience to life year after year.

Here’s to 15 years of kayaking, curiosity, and care for creation—and many more to come!