STEAM-Literacy

Problem-Based Learning Challenge for Into the Sea

2nd Grade, Unit 4 Week 2
Applications and Florida Standards

Analytical Writing: Use evidence from the lab and from the text to show what
design is best to keep our beaches from eroding. Summarize your results.
LAFS.2.W.3.7 Participate in shared research and writing projects (e.g., read a number of books on a single topic to
produce a report; record science observations).

LAFS.2.W.3.8 Recall information from experiences or gather information from provided sources to answer a question

Science: Use the scientific method to create this lab, completing all parts and
finding a solution to the erosion of our beaches.
SC.2.N.1.1 Raise questions about the natural world, investigate them in teams through free exploration and
systematic observations, and generate appropriate explanations based on those explorations.

Math: Measure the distance of the erosion based on the strength of the wave.
Compare and Contrast.
MAFS.2.MD.1.4 Measure to determine how much longer one object is than another, expressing the length difference
in terms of a standard length unit.

Reading: Read “Into the Sea”, focusing on the main idea of each paragraph under
the subheading of Stopping Erosion. Identify the cause and effect of erosion and
describe how it changes our Earth.
LAFS.2.RI.1.2 Identify the main topic of a multiparagraph text as well as the focus of specific paragraphs within the
text.

LAFS.2.RI.1.3 Describe the connection between a series of historical events, scientific ideas or concepts, or steps in
technical procedures in a text.

LAFS.2.RI.2.5 Know and use various text features (e.g., captions, bold print, subheadings, glossaries, indexes,
electronic menus, icons) to locate key facts or information in a text efficiently.

LAFS.2.RI.2.6 Identify the main purpose of a text, including what the author wants to answer, explain, or describe

Social Studies: Describe living on a coastal region. Are there any natural land
forms that can save our beaches from erosion? Identify other landforms that
suffer from sand or rock erosion and what happens to the people who live there.
SS.2.E.1.4 Explain the personal benefits and costs involved in saving and spending.

SS.2.E.1.1 Recognize that people make choices because of limited resources.

Materials:
Sand
Water
Container
Small block of wood or plastic to create waves
Small Houses, Rocks, Umbrellas to decorate shore
Items to help solve the problem of houses being destroyed, like rocks, blocks, shells, etc.

Directions:
Fill container halfway with sand and build a shoreline on one side of the container.
Pour water into container until it is about two fingers deep. You do not want to cover all the
sand. You are aiming to make a representation of a beach.
Make small waves with block of wood or plastic.
Observe the waves erode the shore line as it brings sand to the bottom of the ocean.

Problem:
Houses are being destroyed by the erosion of the shoreline. What can we do to save our beaches
and houses? Find a cost effective, fast solution to our disappearing beaches and beach houses!

Challenge questions once a solution is found:

Is this the cheapest option?
Will the option withstand severe weather or storms that make large waves?
Is there a simpler solution or a solution with a different outcome?

Discussion:
Read Unit 4 Week 2, Into The Sea. Discuss how your solutions were like those in the story.
How did their lab represent what they were reading?
Name: ________________________________________ Date: _______________

Erosion Lab
Houses are being destroyed by the erosion of the shoreline. What can we do to save our beaches
and houses? Find a cost effective, fast solution to our disappearing beaches and beach houses!

Use evidence from the lab and from the text to show what design is best to keep

our beaches from eroding. Summarize your results.

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