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Description
The What is Coastal Erosion? research feature provides teachers with background information and climate research on the causes and impacts of coastal erosion, particularly in Prince Edward Island. As sea levels rise and storm surges become more frequent due to climate change, erosion along coastlines is accelerating—threatening homes, infrastructure, and ecosystems. The resource discusses research conducted by Dr. Adam Fenech and his team at the UPEI Climate Lab, who developed the CoastaL Impacts Visualization Environment (CLIVE) to track and predict erosion using drone and LiDAR technology. Their work highlights the importance of community education and accessible tools to help local populations see and understand climate risks in their own regions.
Students will:
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participate in a hands-on activity simulating the impact of erosion and test strategies for protecting coastlines
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investigate how natural forces like storm surges and rising sea levels contribute to the erosion of land
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explore how coastal communities—especially small or low-lying areas—are particularly vulnerable to climate change
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design and build structures using simple materials to prevent or reduce simulated erosion in a test bin
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observe and analyze which techniques are most effective and reflect on real-world applications
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discuss the importance of combining community engagement with technological tools like CLIVE to promote climate adaptation
The resource provides an engaging activity to enhance student understanding of coastal erosion, introduces youth to climate visualization technology, features insights from climate researchers, and includes discussion questions and prompts for further inquiry.
General Assessment
Recommendation of how and where to use it
This resource is part of a larger collection that brings local climate change research into the classroom. These research features enable teachers to address climate change through fun, engaging and accessible research topics.
Discover Our Climate resources are relevant to Atlantic Canada and include curriculum-based learning activities designed for grades seven to twelve. Each feature encourages students to be curious and create solutions for the on-going climate challenges we face.
Relevant Curriculum Units
The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.
- Step 1Select a province
- Alberta
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland & Labrador
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ontario
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 7
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science & Technology
- Step 4Relevant matches
- STEM Skills and Connections
- Structures and Mechanisms: Form, Function, and Design of Structures
- Grade 8
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science & Technology
- Step 4Relevant matches
- STEM Skills and Connections
- Grade 11
- Step 3Select a subject
- Geography
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Impacts of Change
- Forces of Nature: Physical Processes and Disasters (Univ./College Prep.)
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 7
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science & Technology
- Step 4Relevant matches
- The Earth and Space
- Grade 8
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science & Technology
- Step 4Relevant matches
- The Earth and Space
- Saskatchewan
Themes Addressed
Air, Atmosphere & Climate (1)
- Climate Change
Ecosystems (1)
- Appreciating the Natural World
Land Use & Natural Resources (1)
- Rocks and Minerals
Science and Technology (1)
- Alternative Ways of Doing Science
Water (1)
- Marine Environments
