Designing Solutions for Protecting the Mangrove Forest

Give your students a practical experience in designing solutions for protecting the mangrove forest with regard to criteria and constraints using this engaging lesson focused on mangrove forests.

This lesson, although intended as a part of an NGSS Storyline on mangrove forests, can be used as a standalone lesson on the following topics:

• Determining a problem to solve
• Identifying criteria and constraints of the problem
• Developing a solution
• evaluating the solution

Lesson Overview:

Begin by introducing the ways in which Abu Dhabi has already begun working to protect and restore the mangroves using the hook about the Mirfa Lagoon. This should get students thinking about how technology and science can work together to solve practical problems.

Next, students will begin to design a solution to a problem of their choice by defining the problem. Teachers may prefer students to work alone or with a partner for this activity.

After that, take a moment to go over the definitions of criteria and constraints and have students determine both for their problem.

Finally, give the individuals/groups time to sketch out a model or write a description of the solution they have proposed.

When students are done, have individuals/groups pair up and share their ideas with one another. This can be done as many or as few times as time allows. It’s also an option to have students come to the front of the room and share with the group in that way.

Option: Turn this activity into more of a project by having students create posters, brochures, or presentations to “sell” their proposed solution to an audience. (Rubric included.)

To conclude, students answer a few comprehension questions and share their thoughts with the group.

Who is this Designing Solutions for Protecting the Mangrove Forest resource for?

This resource can be used by classroom teachers, tutors, and parents of students in grades 6-9. It comprehensively covers the topics mentioned, and provides opportunities for student responses which can be implemented in a whole group lesson or assigned for homework.

This lesson is ideal for classrooms with devices that have internet access.

This lesson is a part of a NGSS storyline unit that addresses the question: What would happen if mangrove forests disappeared?

This resource was originally designed to be used to support the conservation and restoration efforts of the UAE’s rich mangrove forest ecosystems. It has since been modified for use around the world.

How Can I Use this Designing Solutions for Protecting the Mangrove Forest Resource?

• Emergency Sub Plans
• An independent work station in a set of stations
• Flipped Classroom pre-reading
• Whole or small group opportunity to model and teach Close Reading strategies and annotation
• Differentiation – Assign this reading as reteaching for students who have yet to show mastery.
• Homework
• Creation of Independent Work Packet for students who are not able to be present for direct instruction.
• Extension activity for early finishers or for students who show a special interest in the topic
• Use as a square on a Choice Board
• Interactive Notebooks: Print 2 pages in one and cut apart. Glue mini pages into notebooks with room for annotations on the side
• Interactive Notebooks: Print entire PDF as a mini booklet and add to notebooks using thesesimple instructions.

What’s Included?

• Student Sheet PDF
• Rubric for Designing Solutions
• Student Sheet Digital (Google Docs)
• 7 Slide Guiding Presentation (Google Slides)

Purchase includes a printable PDF file in color. On page 2 of this resource you will find a link to a student friendly Google Doc version of this file. You will be able to copy this file and use it with Google Classroom or any other paperless initiative.

Please take a look at the preview file to see more of this resource.

To save you time, I have already completed the necessary edits for this resource! In other words, this resource is ready to assign through Easel just moments after your purchase.

NGSS STANDARDS COVERED BY THIS DESIGNING SOLUTIONS FOR PROTECTING THE MANGROVE FOREST: