Field Trip Pre-Assessment

What is the primary function of barrier islands along the North Carolina coast?

• To provide tourist attractions

• To protect the mainland from ocean waves and storms

• To serve as shipping ports

• To generate hydroelectric power

Which of these describes the movement of water between the ocean and sound in a barrier island system?

• Water only moves from sound to ocean

• There is no water movement between them

• Water exchanges through natural inlets and channels

• Water only moves during storms

What type of adaptation helps plants survive in the salty environment of barrier islands?

• Deep root systems

• Thick waxy leaves

• Ability to store water

• All of the above

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

Which of these organisms would you most likely find in the sound side of a barrier island?

• Jellyfish

• Blue crabs

• Sharks

• Sea urchins

What causes barrier islands to constantly change shape?

• Wind and wave action

• Tourist development

• Plant growth

• Animal activity

Which human activity poses the greatest threat to barrier island ecosystems?

• Fishing

• Photography

• Coastal development

• Bird watching

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

What role do sand dunes play in barrier island ecosystems?

• They provide nesting sites for sea turtles

• They protect inland areas from storm surge

• They create freshwater pools

• They generate electricity

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

How do barrier islands help maintain the health of coastal ecosystems?

• By preventing fish migration

• By blocking all storm damage

• By providing diverse habitats for wildlife

• By increasing water temperature

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

What is one way people can help protect barrier island ecosystems?

• Building more houses on the islands

• Creating more parking lots

• Using designated walkways to access beaches

• Removing all vegetation

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

Which natural process helps form new barrier islands?

• volcanic activity

• sediment deposition

• earthquake activity

• forest growth