Day 4
Sea Levels are Rising

Over 40 percent of humans live within 100 kilometers of a coastline, making coastal communities a key part of our daily lives. All of these coastlines are prone to the negative effects of sea level rise. Today we will investigate how global climate change impacts coastal communities and what NOAA is doing to better understand and protect these regions.

Supplies You Will Need

  • Two identical, clear, plastic containers (approx. 6"x6")

  • Clay (enough to fill about 1/4 of each tub)

  • Tray of ice cubes

  • Ruler

  • Water

  • Permanent Marker


Don't forget to log on to today's LIVE webinar at 10am PST!

NOAA's own Sarah Wise from the NOAA Alaska Fisheries Science Center will be talking to us about Climate and Communities: Adapting to Rapid Change

Note to Parents: Skip the Ads!

Many of the videos you will be viewing are on YouTube, and unfortunately, these often start with ads. Just have your young scientists click the "Skip" button as they are able to move straight to the video.

Get up to Speed!

Picture of a beach with sand and many homes in the background

Sea Levels on the Move

The Earth’s Climate is changing, and it is causing sea levels to change too. Continuously measuring sea level changes over the long term is the best way for scientists to understand and project how and when this will affect our communities. Watch this video to see how NOAA scientists are tracking sea level rise (2.5 mins)

A blurred seascape background with the text 'Global vs Local Sea Level' ontop

Global vs Local Sea Level Rise

Sea level rise isn’t uniform across the globe. Why not? Check out this video to understand more. (2.5 mins)

Dive a little Deeper

Join Today's Webinar at 10am PST!


NOAA Live! NOAA Science Camp: Sarah Wise, NOAA Alaska Fisheries Science Center Climate and Communities: Adapting to Rapid Change
Students will have a chance to ask questions!

If you Want to Learn more...

Three yellow tents and a snowcat with a vast blue sky and ice sheet

The Anatomy of Glacial Sea Ice Loss

This article includes text and videos about glaciers and how they melt!

A marsh with brick and a white stork

Leaving Leeville: Losing a Coastal Community

Windell Curole knows what it means to see a community washed away. He’s seen it. On this tour of Leeville, Louisiana, Windell explains how storms and rising sea level have forced people to retreat inland several times in the last century.(1.5 min)

If You want to Do More...

Investigating Sea Level Rise using Real Data

This cool online activity uses a series of interactive web maps, apps, and high-resolution images to help you learn about sea level using real data from NOAA. Try and complete levels 1-5!

Land Ice vs. Sea Ice

What's the difference between sea ice and land ice? This hands-on activity will help you find out. Get out your supplies for this one!

Wood floor with plastic containers, notebook, a pen, a measuring tape, two balls of clay, an ice cube tray, a towel, and a water bottle laid out