Lesson 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 intentions:
Students will...
- understand the causes and potential impacts of rising sea levels
- recognise that rising sea levels will affect the whole world, and that there will be significant environmental, social and economic impacts.
Lesson guides and printables
Lesson details
Curriculum mapping
Australian curriculum content descriptions:
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)
General capabilities: Critical and creative thinking, Ethical understanding, Numeracy.
Cross-curriculum priorities: Sustainability OI.1, OI.2.
Syllabus Outcomes: GE4-2, GE4-3, GE4-4, GE4-5, GE4-7, GE4-8.
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.
- Key reading from We Are the Weather Makers: Chapter 15 – Rising Waters
- Homework and extension opportunities: This activity requires students watch a video and respond to associated questions at home prior to commencing the activity.
Additional info
Cool Australia would like to acknowledge:
- Tim Flannery
- David Harding, Rose Iser, Sally Stevens
- Text Publishing and Purves Environmental Fund
- Climate Council
Welcome back!
Don't have an account yet?
Log in with:
By signing up to Cool.org you consent and agree to Cool's privacy policy to
store, manage and process your personal information. To read more, please see
our privacy policy here(Opens in new tab).
Create your free Cool.org account.
Many of our resources are free, with an option to upgrade to Cool+ for premium content.
Already have an account?
Sign up with:
By signing up to Cool.org you consent and agree to Cool's privacy policy to
store, manage and process your personal information. To read more, please see
our privacy policy here(Opens in new tab).