First aired on November 19, 2002, the Sinking City of Venice is a fascinating episode of the NOVA television series that focuses on the threat of rising tide levels for the exposed Italian city. Venice has many historical treasures and centuries-old architecture, which is forcing the government to turn to engineers for possible solutions to safeguard the city. A very ambitious proposal that is currently being considered involves massive underwater gates that rise in times of dangerously high tides. A five-minute video given on this Web site illustrates how the gates will work. An interactive map of the region shows hazards stemming from manmade and natural causes. Educators can find a few activities to introduce students to human environmental control.