Global Ups & Downs: Changing Sea Level (6-12)

Overview of the box

Concepts and Standards

Lessons:

1 Consequences
of global warming

2 Experimenting
with ice melt

3 Glacial evidence

4 Fossil evidence

5 Impacts of topography

Activities:

1 Impact of ice melt
on shorelines

2 Introduction to
topographic maps

3 Mapping shorelines

6 Impacts on ecosystems

Online resources

Student Web Page

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Lesson 5: Impacts of Topography on Sea Level Change

Impacts of Topography on Sea Level Change

This lesson is comprised of three activities. Students use web-based animations to explore the impacts of ice melt, specifically changes to sea level. Students are introduced to topographic maps. Students examine the relationship between topography and sea level change by mapping changing shorelines.

Concepts and learning outcomes	Students will understand that: Fluctuations in sea level change the shape of shorelines. Changes in sea level affect habitats and the flora and fauna they support. Changes in sea level impacts humans.
Time requirements	Three 50-minute classes
Vocabulary	topography, topographic map, elevation, contour line, contour interval
Activities	1. Exploring the Impact of Ice Melt on Shorelines: Students use web-based animations to explore the impacts of ice melt on sea level. 2. Introduction to Topographic Maps: Students are introduced to topographic maps through a hands-on experiment. 3. Mapping Shorelines: Students examine the relationship between topography and sea level change by mapping potential changing shorelines of Washington, D.C.
Resources used	Sea Level animation http://www.teachingboxes.org/catalog.jsp?id=DLESE-000-000-008-866 Mapping Ancient Coastlings http://www.teachingboxes.org/catalog.jsp?id=DLESE-000-000-008-869 TopoZone http://www.teachingboxes.org/catalog.jsp?id=DLESE-000-000-000-103 Melting Himalayan Glaciers May Doom Towns http://www.teachingboxes.org/catalog.jsp?id=DLESE-000-000-008-870 Sea Level animation http://www.teachingboxes.org/catalog.jsp?id=DLESE-000-000-008-866 Topographic Salad-Tray Model http://www.teachingboxes.org/catalog.jsp?id=DLESE-000-000-008-867 Mapping Potato Island http://www.teachingboxes.org/catalog.jsp?id=DLESE-000-000-008-867 Modeled Climate-Induced Glacier Change in Glacier National Park, 1850-2100 http://www.teachingboxes.org/catalog.jsp?id=DLESE-000-000-008-871 TRINIDAD'S RISING SEAS: Effects of Global Warming http://www.teachingboxes.org/catalog.jsp?id=DLESE-000-000-008-872 Warming to Cause Catastrophic Rise in Sea Level? http://www.teachingboxes.org/catalog.jsp?id=DLESE-000-000-008-873