Math Lesson: Sea Level Rise
Lesson Plan
2 hoursGrades3, 4, 5Mathematics
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Written by Emily Townsend
About this lesson
In this lesson, students use graphing and measurement to collect data on the potential causes of sea level rise as they visit different learning stations. Students consider how to use art as a medium to inform others about their learning and dispel misconceptions.
Inquire: Students complete a graphing activity to represent the changes in sea level rise and predict why this is happening.
Investigate: Students test their ideas about why the sea level is rising, discover their misconceptions, and confirm predictions through measurement and graphing.
Inspire: Students link art to awareness and create a mural to spread knowledge about sea level rise in their own community and dispel misconceptions.
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Everything you need to teach it
How to edit these materials (video)Teaching tips
Positives
- Students work collaboratively to collect and report their observations.
- This lesson features hands-on interaction with students’ predictions in order to dispel misconceptions.
- Students learn how art can be a powerful motivator for change.
- Students collect data and build science practice skills.
Additional Prerequisites
- Teachers will need to assemble a number of materials to set up the stations. See the Teacher Document for a list of supplies and directions. Students also need rulers or meter sticks.
- Teachers will need ice for a number of stations. Remember to plan ahead in order to freeze it.
- Station 4 (optional) must be run by an adult because it uses boiling water. Alternatively, you can do the experiment from Station 4 as a demonstration in front of the whole class.
- Collect materials for murals before class including butcher paper and art supplies of choice.
Differentiation
- Teachers can set up the stations in the classroom or outside.
- There are two versions of the Observation Journal with different levels of math and writing requirements.
- All of the stations can be completed as whole group demonstrations.
- Possible extension: Ask students to consider how to test their ideas from the Inquire section. Try some of their ideas and discuss if the results proved or disproved their hypothesis.
- The video in the Inspire section shows murals that use technology to teach about sea level rise. You may choose for students to create their mural using technology to mimic this practice.
From the scientist review
This lesson allows students to observe and measure the mean sea level, analyze the changes in the sea level, and convey the analysis using arts and painting. It improves their interdisciplinary skills and enables them to develop local strategies to respond to sea level rise impacts on their environment. All materials and videos have been reviewed and have passed the science credibility review.
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About the teacher writer
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Emily Townsend
K-8 ELL Teacher
Emily Townsend is an educator with 15 years of teaching experience as both a general education teacher and an English Language Learner (ELL) specialist. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Drake University and a Master of Arts in Teaching, Leadership, and Cultural Competency from the University of Iowa.
