The Shell Island Dilemma is an inquiry simulation. Students investigate the issues concerning the fate of the Shell Island Resort and then debate the future of this and other oceanfront structures threatened by coastal erosion. As students engage in the investigation, they identify the social, political, and scientific issues with which different stakeholders must deal.
Students place themselves into the role of one of the stakeholders.
Questions are used throughout the simulation to focus students' inquiry during their exploration. Students are first presented with a video clip that introduces the dilemma. After being introduced to the problem, students are to select their stakeholder role. Each stakeholder role screen includes a brief description of the role and a recommended list of important resources to review. The resources include authentic documents and photographs, including aerial photographs illustrating the recent history of the migration of Mason's Inlet, photographs of the Shell Island Resort, newspaper articles, statements from coastal engineers, permit applications to construct a hard structure, and meeting proceedings from the North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission.