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Coastal Flooding and Sea Level Rise (MS unit)

Provided by: Gulf of Maine Research Institute

Lesson Plans Grades 6-8

Synopsis

This three-part unit plan is 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.
Part 1 of this unit introduces students to the basics of sea level rise and coastal flooding, Part 2 engages students in fieldwork and data collection, and Part 3 asks students to create a plan for coastal communities to adapt to sea level rises.
Most of the information is for Portland, Maine.

Subjects: Earth and Space Sciences, Civics, Geography

Authors: Gulf of Maine Research Institute

Region: Maine - Coastal

Languages: English

Positives

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.
Part 2 of this lesson requires students to go out in their community during a predicted high tide. Teachers will need to plan for this and may need additional chaperones.
Teachers will need to create an account on the GMRI website.
The video for Part 3, Lesson 1, will not play.
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 fieldwork, students can define their group roles based on their skill set.
To make math connections, students can graph the data they collect.
Language arts teachers can expand on the claim, evidence, and reasoning assessment by using it to introduce scientific and persuasive writing.

Scientist Notes

Teaching Tips

Standards

Resource Type and Format