Rising to the Challenge: High School Sea Level Rise Action Project

Project Summary

Biology students at San Domenico School conducted a comprehensive sea level rise investigation, combining scientific study with real-world field research in the Canal District of San Rafael, California, culminating in student-led action projects addressing coastal communities facing climate challenges.

Detailed Story

Inspired by The Climate Initiative Conference in Saco, Maine during Summer 2024, educator Mary Churchill developed an action project centered on sea level rise for tenth grade biology students at San Domenico School. The curriculum was intentionally designed as a progressive educational pathway that connects to the school’s existing social justice curriculum for 11th graders and service learning projects for 12th graders. The project followed a carefully structured approach: students first studied the scientific causes of sea level rise using real-world examples, then analyzed data to support their findings, and finally created action projects focused on finding solutions, educating the community, or helping to create policy changes. The students began with a compelling case study examining the Isle De Jean Charles in Louisiana, where approximately 400 residents from the Charles Choctaw Nation and United Houma Nation lost their island home due to rising seas. Building on this foundation, students then conducted a local case study in partnership with the San Rafael Sea Level Rise Collaborative Project. Kate Hagemann, San Rafael’s Climate Adaptation and Resilience Planner, shared extensive resources including videos, graphs, statistics, and poster boards documenting the Canal District’s geography, causes of sea level rise, and adaptation strategies being considered. Students deepened their learning by hosting “Lunch and Learn” sessions where they taught faculty and staff about the project in small groups. On March 11th, students participated in a field day at the Canal District in San Rafael, rotating through three expert-led workshops: adaptation strategies with Kate Hagemann, Critical Facilities 3D mapping with GIS data intern Kiara Gulati, and wetlands ecology with estuary ecologist Caitlin Crain. Following this comprehensive preparation, students formed research groups to identify communities experiencing sea level rise that have personal significance to them. Each group gathered supporting data and developed action projects or plans to address the issues identified. The culmination of this work will be presented at a poster session alongside graduating seniors’ ROSE Projects on May 23rd, creating a powerful demonstration of how climate education can lead to meaningful student action across grade levels.

Impact Statement

The project has provided 98 high school biology students with comprehensive understanding of sea level rise through a multi-faceted approach combining scientific study, data analysis, case studies, and hands-on field research. By partnering with local government officials and scientists, students gained direct experience with real-world climate adaptation planning and ecological research. The initiative created powerful connections between classroom learning and community challenges, while the “Lunch and Learn” sessions extended the educational impact to faculty and staff. The progressive educational structure links this tenth-grade work to the school’s existing social justice and service learning curriculum in subsequent years, creating continuity in students’ development as environmental advocates. By requiring students to identify communities with personal significance for their final action projects, the program fosters emotional investment and meaningful engagement with climate solutions. The culminating poster presentation alongside senior projects will amplify student voices and showcase their growth as emerging climate leaders capable of developing informed responses to complex environmental challenges.