Title: Matanuska
River/Old Glenn Hwy Erosion Prevention Project
Problem: Using
Minecraft, students will build a model of the geographic section of Palmer, AK
that includes the Matanuska River and the Old Glenn Highway near the erosion
point that has changed the course of the river to wash away two homes, cause
frequent flooding of additional homes, and flow ever closer to a section of the
old Glenn Highway. They will then use those to-scale models to propose and demonstrate
options for solutions to save the highway and prevent future flooding of the
remaining homes.
Importance: Without erosion prevention options, the Old Glenn Highway is
in potential danger of being washed away where the Matanuska River has changed
course steadily over the past two years. Additionally, homeowners that haven’t
already lost their structures on land near that section of the river/highway, are
under constant threat and/or repair of flooding and damage. Therefore, the
level of importance for students, residents, and our community is very high.
Students: I am
working with two middle school students (7th grade) that have
witnessed the erosion and changes due to the river flooding and changing
course. They also live and have family at both ends of the section and on both
sides of the highway, so their value of solutions for the community is high.
Content & Standards
Math: Calculation,
geometry, scaling.
Science: Weather,
erosion, changing landforms, impact of proposed solution and potential effects.
Engineering:
Scaled structures, design of diversion, redirection, or relocation, materials
needed, and structural design of solution.
Technology:
In addition to utilizing Minecraft to build 3-dimentional representation of the
land and proposed solutions, students will utilize mapping, topographical, and
other online resources to accurately represent their project builds and
solutions.
I have a general idea of which content
standards will be covered and will add specific language once I’ve solidified
them and as the lessons evolve. Also, I am using middle school students for the
purposes of this project only because my district has not opened up access for
my school/computer lab classes to access Minecraft yet (though they ARE getting
closer). I teach K-5 so I intend to tailor the lesson plans for upper
elementary in hopes of utilizing the lessons and project on a much larger scale
with my classes once available (I have 7 classes grades 3-5, so roughly 200
students in all).
Sharing: Presentation
will likely be primarily presented via photo base with audio overlay
describing the building process and solution proposal. If possible, I will also
be able to grab some video of the building process.
