Rebuild by Design Meadowlands Project
Provided by: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection|Published on: April 27, 2021|Last updated: September 26, 2026
Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Type: Videos
Subjects: Biology, Engineering
Authors: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
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 video shows how the NJ Department of Environmental Protection worked with the New Jersey Meadowlands community and other agencies to design and build infrastructure and ecological solutions to prevent flooding and improve stormwater management.
- Students will learn how many different solutions are integrated into watersheds in order to promote better drainage in flood-prone communities.
Teaching Materials
Positives
- This video will provide students with an example of multiple groups successfully working together to solve a problem.
- Students will see that designing a solution for inland flooding was a lengthy process for the community.
Prerequisites
- Students should be familiar with the concept of natural watersheds in order to understand what the engineered watershed was modeled after.
- Students should understand the role that native plant species can play in reducing flooding, filtering water, and increasing biodiversity.
Differentiation & Implementation
- Environmental clubs and science classes could research ways to get involved in community-based environmental projects using the resources in the 2020 New Jersey Scientific Report on Climate Change.
- Engineering classes could research how neighborhood watersheds can be designed for flat areas such as the Meadowlands.
- Other resources on this topic include this lesson plan and activity on natural watersheds and this Grist video that shows what Hoboken, New Jersey did to mitigate flooding.
This video demonstrates the impact of storm surges and coastal flooding in the Meadowlands. It shows the co-creation of solutions between experts and indigenous peoples to build community-response strategies for climate resilience and disaster recovery.These strategies included the application of sustainable watershed strategy, smart infrastructure, urban planning, community solidarity, green spaces, climate education and advocacy. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
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