Provided by: Hudson River PK |Published on: March 11, 2024
Lesson Plans Grades 6-8, 9-12
Synopsis
This lesson challenges students to design, build, test, and revise a model of an adaptive structure to protect the New York City coastline from rising sea levels.
Students will learn about the difference between weather and climate, the greenhouse effect, the threat of flooding due to sea level rise, and strategies to mitigate flooding.
Students will love this hands-on and collaborative activity where they can showcase their creativity and problem-solving skills.
The resource includes pictures of students participating in the activity, which makes it easier for teachers and students to visualize the activity in their classrooms.
Additional Prerequisites
The lesson is available in five other languages.
Teachers must provide various materials for students to use to build their designs. Teachers could also ask students to bring in materials from home.
A student worksheet is provided.
Students should understand that the sun's energy creates heat.
Differentiation
This lesson is perfect for engineering classes to practice the design and testing process.
Earth science classes can use this resource when learning about the impacts of climate change on coastal communities and sea-level rise adaptation strategies.