Coastal Flooding and Sea Level Rise (MS unit)
Provided by: Gulf of Maine Research Institute|Published on: May 24, 2024
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Type: Lesson Plans
Subjects: Earth and Space Sciences, Geography
Authors: Gulf of Maine Research Institute
Region: Maine - Coastal
Languages: English
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This five-lesson unit plan is the first in a series of three made for students in coastal Maine to find value in their community, understand the impact of sea-level rise on their community, and brainstorm strategies to protect their community from storm surges and flooding.
- This first part of the unit series introduces students to the basics of sea level rise and coastal flooding.
- Most of the information is for Portland, Maine.
Teaching Materials
Positives
- The many hands-on activities will keep students engaged throughout the unit.
- Students will practice many skills for an authentic purpose.
Prerequisites
- Many lessons and activities require teachers to prepare and gather various materials ahead of time.
- Students should know that the lunar cycle influences the tides and how to read graphs.
- In lesson 2, some of the tools linked from NASA will not work.
- Teachers may need to contact a representative from GMRI to get the Planning Forward resources.
Differentiation & Implementation
- The many opportunities for group work allow for flexible and strategic grouping based on student needs.
- During group work, students can define their group roles based on their skill set.
- To make math connections, students can graph the data they collect.
- Teachers can make connections to the sustainable development goals by connecting this resource to Goal 13, Climate Action, and explaining how timely climate action will keep sea levels from rising so dramatically.
The Gulf of Maine Research Institute's three-part learning module on sea level rise offers clear, well-sourced lecture slides that guide students through understanding the science, engaging in community science, and taking action for community resilience. With extensive peer-reviewed sources cited in both slide notes and the teacher guide, along with well-sourced figures, this resource ensures credibility. Its emphasis on empowering students to collect primary data in their communities and providing guidance on effective communication makes it invaluable for educators seeking to teach about sea level rise and community resilience. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
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