WATER PERIL
I recently read an article in Edutopia (http://www.edutopia.org/) entitled "The Venetian Bind" that talks about a controversial flood control plan for Venice, Italy. This is an interesting article (November/December 2007 addition) about the civil engineering project proposed to mitigate the exceptional tidal effects in Venice as well as those that might ensue as a result of ice cap melting worldwide.
The scene I include today was made with GollyGee Blocks and is my quick rendition of the photo that accompanied the article. Notice the dog knee deep in tidal waters around some of the world's most historic architectures.
The rising tides problem suggests a whole set of science projects that schools might consider at various grade levels. Thinking cap required! Maybe wave action on structures is a starter?? Maybe some social studies/math topics that look at the effects of rising tides on population areas??