Shoreline Erosion Investigation

Investigate shoreline erosion and protection with this engaging set of activities that focuses on mangrove forest ecosystems! With this shoreline erosion investigation resource, your students will be introduced to the concept of ecosystem services with a focus on protecting natural spaces for shoreline preservation in the face of both erosion and tropical storm damage.

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:

• ecosystem services
• shoreline erosion
• reducing damage from storms
• human impact on the environment

Lesson Overview:

In this lesson, students begin by watching a short video (>2 mins) showing a demonstration of a beach being hit by waves. One half of the beach has natural mangrove forests, while the other half is unprotected.

The students are asked to write down what they notice and what they wonder as they watch the video. These thoughts are then discussed with the class using the accompanying Google Slides presentation.

A short paragraph describes the two fold benefits of mangroves for shorelines: wave height and erosion reduction.

Next, students create a model (drawing) of a shoreline with an approaching storm with and without mangroves. Three differentiated versions of this activity are included to meet the needs of all learners. 

Finally, students will study a graph and answer a few comprehension questions before writing a letter to a site manager of a major hotel project in order to convince them that keeping the local mangrove forests as intact as possible will be the best decision.

Who is this shoreline erosion investigation 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 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 Resource?

• Emergency Sub Plans
• Whole or small group opportunity to model and teach Close Reading strategies and annotation
• Differentiation – Assign this activity 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 these simple instructions.

What’s Included?

• Student Sheet (PDF)
• Student Sheet Digital (Google Docs)
• Presentation (Google Slides – 8 Slides long)

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

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

NGSS STANDARDS COVERED BY THIS SHORELINE EROSION INVESTIGATION: