Sea+Level+Calculation+Bill

North Carolina Sea Level Bill Project

Project Idea:The North Carolina Senate has just approved bill HB 819 that says who can define and calculate sea level rise in North Carolina. In a fictitious scenario, students are asked to assume the roles of members of the North Carolina House of Representatives faced with the task of deciding how to vote on the North Carolina sea level calculation bill.

Driving Question: How can we as members of a North Carolina legislative team decide how to vote on the North Carolina sea level calculation bill?

Content: Legislative process in North Carolina, North Carolina geography, North Carolina economy, climate change (see Earth/Environmental Science Essential Standards), writing, speaking and listening and language from Common Core.

Major Student Products: Letter to Coastal Resource Commission/governor/other legislator, classroom debate over legislative bill, power point on voter data, coastal development, climate change for Public Hearing, White Paper on issue

Authentic Audience: Advertised Public Hearing at school or other venue in the evening.