The purpose of this lesson is to introduce students to the concept of sea level rise as it occurs through climate change by having them examine 3 specific parameters: ice distribution, thermal expansion, and analyzing and interpreting data. The lesson and activities within the lesson were designed using the three dimensions of the Framework for K-12 Science Education and the Next Generation Science Standards – specifically crosscutting concepts, science and engineering practices, and disciplinary core ideas. While there isn’t any required pre-requisite learning required for this lesson, a general understanding of sea-level rise, glaciers, and climate may be beneficial to students. During classroom breaks, pairs of students will develop/discuss their models, revise their interpretations of their models or data, and think-pair-share their thoughts on the investigation segments.
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This activity series is one that I have been doing with students for many years to address misconceptions related to sea level rise. The video involves a series of investigations in which each activity is described and students are asked to make a prediction. After the investigation is performed, students are asked to record their observations and create models of their predictions.
Over time I realized that there were many misconceptions that needed to be addressed, so adding in time to revise models, discuss with the class or with a partner, and think aloud as a group are all good ideas of best practice while working through a concept such as sea level rise as related to climate change .
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Contributed by:
Elizabeth Murray
Name of Author/Source: Elizabeth Murray
District/Organization of Contributor(s): Massachusettes Institute of Technology
Access Privileges: Public
* Please note that examples of resources are not intended as complete curriculum.