*Note: This lab activity was submitted to Ward's Science by a third party educator for the sole purpose of sharing content and ideas
with other educators. Ward's Science is not affiliated with the author of this lesson plan. All product recommendations made by
Ward's Science are suggestions for completion or extension of the activity or topics addressed, but are not required to complete the
activity.
B. Climate Change and Topography
Day: 3
Grade Level: 8
Time Required: 90 minutes
Essential Question: What is the relationship between climate change and topography
with respect to sea level rise?
National Science Standards Addressed:
M.D.1 Structure of the earth system
j.
Global
patterns of atmospheric movement influence local weather. Oceans have
a
major
effect on climate, because water in the oceans holds a large amount of heat.
k.
Living
organisms have played many roles in the earth system, including affecting the
composition
of the atmosphere, producing some types of rocks, and contributing to the
weathering of rocks.
Objective: Students will use topographic maps and models to determine the extent of
vulnerability of the Delmarva Peninsula to climate change, specifically sea level rise.
Teacher Notes: The Delmarva Peninsula is an excellent area to study in terms of the
effects of climate change. One of the most pressing concerns as climate changes is sea
level rise. The Delmarva Peninsula is an extremely low area and is subject to flooding
and erosion already. Students will investigate just how low the Peninsula is and use
models to predict the potential impacts of sea level rise on the areas in which they live.
Worcester County was "ahead of the curve" in terms of anticipating climate change as
they completed a study in 2008 to investigate the effects of sea level rise on various
areas. Students will have access to this electronic resource.
Materials:
