H-ton AP Environmental Science Studies at Sunken Meadow

Sunken Meadow State Park was created by master builder Robert Moses in the 1920s. Originally 400 acres, it has grown to nearly 1,300. The site features more than 10,000 feet of sandy beach, running trails, picnic areas and athletic fields. It’s filled with wildlife, sensitive environmental areas and a variety of worthwhile areas to study.

Sunken Meadow opened 99 years ago and Mr. Moses’ creation still benefits the Long Island community. Students in Huntington High School science teacher Sarah Hall’s Advanced Placement Environmental Science classes recently took a trip to the park for studies in the field.

The teenagers investigated the salt water marsh ecosystem and the various habitats that it provides for many living organisms.

“We analyzed biodiversity of the upper and lower marshes using quadrats, seined in the brackish water and caught various fish, crustacean, and invertebrates such as shrimp, and explored the mud flats and species that are adapted to live under such harsh conditions,” Ms. Hall said. “The students had a great time despite the chilly day and it helped tie together our first two units on ecosystems and biodiversity.”

Advanced Placement Environmental Science is available to those who have successfully completed Biology and Earth and Space Science or Chemistry.

“This course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory environmental science course,” states the class overview. “It is designed to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and man-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. There is a strong laboratory component to the class.”