Subject Area(S): Earth Science, Physical Science, Environment Science, Geography

The Research Experience for Teachers Program http://www.cs.appstate.edu/ret Subject Area(s): Earth Science, Physical Science, Environment Science, Geography

Computer Science Tools: Google Earth, 2D image editor

Activity Title: “Climate Change and Sea Levels”

Grade Level: 9-10

Time Required: 30-45 minutes

Recommended Group Size: Individuals

Summary: The Oceans are changing. Many observations show that the ocean has been changing over the last several decades. One aspect of this is a warming ocean resulting in increase of ocean volume through thermal expansion. There has also been addition of water from glacier and ice sheets and changes in storage of water on or in the land (e.g. retention of water in man-made dams and extraction of water from aquifers). These together result in changes in sea level. This activity will allow students to explore the potential impact of the rising sea levels on coastal environments.

Computer Science Connection: Students will use Google Earth to visualize the potential rise in sea level based upon current predictive models. Students will be shown how to modify the settings to get different levels of sea rise from the visualization.

Keywords: Google Earth, Climate Change, Sea Level

Pre-Requisite Knowledge: Students should have basic knowledge of how to use a computer, specifically when browsing to open or save files as well as launching applications. It is not required for students to have any knowledge of Google Earth prior to the exercise.

Learning Objective: Students will be able to visualize the potential rise in sea level based upon current predictive models through the use of Google Earth and its 3D rendering system. Students should become aware of the impact the rising sea level could have on society as well as the possibility of using tools provided by Google to demonstrate and visualize information.

Materials List:

 Google Earth (https://www.google.com/earth/)

 Basic 2D image editor (MS Paint will work fine)

 Access to a computer