This activity guide challenges students to design and test adaptations that protect model homes from flooding caused by sea level rise and storm surge.
Using a sand-and-water tray and reusable building materials, students test and iterate on their designs and work within added constraints such as visibility, accessibility, and a budget.
The resource includes an activity guide, a training video, and a folder with supplemental materials.
Two aluminum trays (at least 10-inch square) per set-up
500 ml water bottle
Straight pins
Sand
Tools (pick set, mini tools)
Beads
Toothpicks
Popsicle sticks
Pipe cleaners
Sponges
Set aside a bucket or identify a nearby sink for water drainage.
Print out or share posters with students about ocean level rise, the price list/challenges, and the engineering design process.
Watch the linked activity training video to visualize what the activity will look like before facilitating this activity.
Classroom Implementation:
Divide students into groups of 3-4 to work together using one set-up.
Designate a volunteer per group who can help clean up and ensure materials are handled safely.
Use the NOAA Sea Level Rise Viewer referenced in the guide to localize the discussion about sea level rise to your context.
Broken Links:
Some links in the activity training guide are broken but can be skipped without impacting comprehension.
Scientist Notes
Teaching Tips
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Resource Type and Format
About the Partner Provider
National Center for Science Education
NCSE works with teachers, parents, scientists, and concerned citizens at the local, state, and national levels to ensure that topics like climate change, evolution, and the nature of science are taught accurately, honestly, and confidently.
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