Activity Introduction
Quick summary: Students investigate the causes and effects of rising sea levels. They begin by watching a clip on rising sea levels from ABC’s Catalyst at home prior to the class and responding to related questions. They then select a coastal town they live in or have visited and assess how rising sea levels may affect this town and its population. Finally students are asked to undertake a more in depth analysis of rising sea levels and to create an infographic or animation to share their research.
These activities “… are an invaluable tool for teachers to address climate change in an educationally relevant, scientifically sound, and action-based way.” – Tim Flannery (Read more)
Learning goals:
- Students understand the causes and potential impacts of rising sea levels.
- Students recognise that rising sea levels will affect the whole world, and that there will be significant environmental, social and economic impacts.
General capabilities: Critical and creative thinking, Ethical understanding, Numeracy.
Cross-curriculum priorities: Sustainability OI.1, OI.2.
Australian Curriculum content description:
Year 7 Geography
- The causes, impacts and responses to an atmospheric or hydrological hazard (ACHGK042)
- Collect, select and record relevant geographical data and information, using ethical protocols, from appropriate primary and secondary sources (ACHGS048)
- Apply geographical concepts to draw conclusions based on the analysis of the data and information collected (ACHGS052)
Year 8 Geography
- Collect, select and record relevant geographical data and information, using ethical protocols, from appropriate primary and secondary sources (ACHGS056)
- Apply geographical concepts to draw conclusions based on the analysis of the data and information collected (ACHGS060)
- Present findings, arguments and ideas in a range of communication forms selected to suit a particular audience and purpose, using geographical terminology and digital technologies as appropriate (ACHGS061)
Syllabus Outcomes: GE4-2, GE4-3, GE4-4, GE4-5, GE4-7, GE4-8.
Topic: We Are the Weather Makers
Time required: 60 mins
Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium – oversee activity and facilitate discussion.
Resources required: Internet access, student worksheets.
Digital technology opportunities: Infographic creation (e.g. Piktochart – DIY infographic background information), animation creation (e.g. Wideo or Animoto), online mapping tools (Flood Maps), online note-taking tools (e.g. Padlet or Popplet), digital sharing capabilties.
Homework and extension opportunities: This activity requires students watch a video and respond to associated questions at home prior to commencing the activity.
Key reading from We Are the Weather Makers: Chapter 15 – Rising Waters
Keywords: Sea level rise, climate change, coastal regions, impacts, future, past.
Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.
Cool Australia would like to acknowledge:
- Tim Flannery
- David Harding, Rose Iser, Sally Stevens
- Text Publishing and Purves Environmental Fund
- Climate Council
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Teacher preparation
