Let's create continuous conversations about climate change education: Spreading the Sediment of Science!
Ecological Design Challenge: Upper Township
Provided by: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection |Published on: June 9, 2022
Activity - Classroom Grades 6-8, 9-12
Synopsis
- In this activity, students will design a plan to stabilize the saltmarsh shoreline, reduce tidal flood damage, and restore habitat in Strathmere, Upper Township.
- The plans must include criteria for successful completion and ideas for how the site will be monitored.
- This activity is a part of New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection's Building Ecological Solutions to Coastal Community Hazards educational program.
Subjects: Biology, Engineering, Computer Science
Authors: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
Region: North America, USA - Northeast, United States, Jersey Shore, New Jersey
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Positives
- This activity gives students a chance to use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address real-world problems.
- The instructions and images of the actual site are included in the PDF.
Additional Prerequisites
- Teachers may want to discuss types of structural features that can help prevent flooding and erosion before students begin the activity.
- This NJ DEP site provides photographs, site assessments, permitting documents, and other information about the project.
- Teachers may want to share this rubric with students to present clear expectations for the activity.
Differentiation
- Students could work individually, in pairs, or in small groups.
- Teachers could extend the activity into a larger project, including three-dimensional models, posters, slideshows, or diagrams to explain their plans. Students could work individually, in pairs, or in small groups.
- Engineering or design classes could focus on designing the structural features for the public access boat ramp located at the Bayview Avenue site.
- Biology classes could use this activity for lessons about marshes, wetlands, or coastal environments.
- Other resources on this topic include this article on solutions for protecting coastal communities, this interactive mapping tool on coastal resilience in New Jersey, and this video on chronic flooding in New Jersey.
Scientist Notes
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
About the Partner Provider
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
Dedicated to improving and protecting public health and the environment, NJDEP uses the best available science to guide the conservation of natural and historic resources, ensure a stable climate and resilient communities, and secure clean and healthy air, water and lands throughout New Jersey. A main priority for NJDEP is to reduce and respond to climate change; hence the commitment to support educators implementing NJ Climate Change Learning Standards in all subject areas, at all grade levels.
All resources can be used for your educational purposes with proper attribution to the content provider.
