Mapping Sea Level Rise

Geophysical Institute of University of Fairbanks

In this activity, students will learn the difference between sea ice and glaciers in relation to sea level rise. They will create and explore topographic maps as a means of studying sea level rise and how it will affect Alaska's coastline.

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Notes from our reviewers

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Resource involves different activities. Connections between activities have to be made clear by teacher. Activity requires access to water and a freezer. Assessment strategies are provided outside of this website. Unit information can be found at: [http://www.arcticclimatemodeling.com/]. Educators in other parts of the country might want to introduce their local setting. Students should be made aware of the effects of climate change on native populations along the coast of Alaska.
Activity takes the classic lesson of melting sea ice vs. continental ice a step further and explains sea level rise and the representation in contour lines along the shore. Google Earth offers some animations that can be used to simulate sea level rise [http://services.google.com/earth/kmz/changing_sea_level_n.kmz]. Comment from the scientist: Sea level rise is a very complex issue, which is heavily based on Earth's gravity field. The ocean will, therefore, not rise equally in all locations. This should not be the highlight but may be noted by the educator. Comment from the scientist: Activity combines all the significant attributes that are important to understanding climate change at this grade level.
Lesson on how to read a topographic map seamlessly integrates with sea level rise. Students then interpret the topographic map for their assessment. Discussion questions are well guided. Well-described and thoughtfully-designed handout. Working in teams and class discussions help students with different learning styles.
Well organized and laid out for easy use by teachers and students. Lesson flows very smoothly through the different activities. The DVD maps and photos of activity are provided. DVD is not embedded in lesson; it is included at: [http://www.arcticclimatemodeling.com/multimedia.html] or can be purchased for about $20.