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Save the Plovers!

By Platform Administrator · Submitted Sep 30, 2026

Content Area
Science and Technology/Engineering
Grade
4

Students will use the Engineering Design Process to build a solution to prevent/slow coastal erosion. There will be a research portion where students will investigate the piping plovers who are endangered and have nesting grounds on our local beach (Revere). Next, they will learn more about erosion and erosion prevention that already exists. Using this knowledge, they will use the steps in the Engineering Design Process to create a model of a coastal erosion prevention solution. They will present their models to their classmates to receive feedback and use that feedback to improve their models. Finally, they will test their models and use these results to determine the effectiveness of their designs and the designs of their classmates. Students will create a presentation at the conclusion of testing to share with their classmates and, if possible, a representative from the Department of Conservation & Recreation.

MA Standards

4.ESS.2.1
Make observations and collect data to provide evidence that rocks, soils, and sediments are broken into smaller pieces through mechanical weathering and moved around through erosion. Clarification Statements: Mechanical weathering processes can include frost wedging, abrasion, and tree root wedging. Erosion can include movement by blowing wind, flowing water, and moving ice. State Assessment Boundary: Chemical processes are not expected in state assessment.
4.ETS.1.3
Plan and carry out tests of one or more design features of a given model or prototype in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify which features need to be improved. Apply the results of tests to redesign a model or prototype.* Clarification Statement: Examples of design features can include materials, size, shape, and weight.
4.ETS.1.5
Evaluate relevant design features that must be considered in building a model or prototype of a solution to a given design problem.*
SL.4.4
Report on a topic, text, procedure, or solution to a mathematical problem, tell a story, or recount an experience in an organized manner, using appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details to support main ideas or themes; speak clearly at an understandable pace and use appropriate vocabulary (See grade 4 Language Standards 4-6 for specific expectations regarding vocabulary.)
W.4.1
Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information.
W.4.7
Conduct short research projects that build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of a topic.

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