Reef Lesson Plans

Students study coral reefs and global warming.

Learners research and view a video on the geography of the Caribbean. For this Caribbean geography lesson, students go on an imaginary trip to the Caribbean and write postcards and letters telling of their trip. Learners will include information on culture, products and geographical features.

Students consider whether artificial reefs are good for marine ecosystems. They examine pictures of artificial reefs and read articles describing the pros and cons of these structures.

Young scholars research coral reefs and identify their benefits to humans, threats to the reef, how to reduce and eliminate threats, and more. For this coral reef lesson plan, students research the reefs, and take a field trip to an aquarium.

Ninth graders read text imbedded in this plan and find the answers to 3 questions: Why is the Great Barrier Reef one of the natural wonders of the world? What value does the reef offer Australia's economy? How is the reef being damaged?

Students read Call It Courage by Armstrong Perry and research the geography of the South Pacific where the story is set. They explore the plant and animal life in the region and how it is specifically adapted to live in that region.

Students imagine themselves on an island in the Caribbean to make postcards for their classmates and write letters about a vacation to their relatives. They view a video on the geography of the islands then research the tourism on one of the islands using the internet.

Young scholars explore the Barrier Reef as they work though several creative activities. Giving tours of the Reef and creating a brochure become competitive tasks as students compete for the job.

Young scholars explain the importance of coral reefs and the threats to reefs' conservation. Through the process of gathering geographic information about a place (in this case, the Great Barrier Reef), students explore how a "geographic focus" can sharpen their insights about a conservation issue.

Learners watch a slide show about the Philippine Reefs to explore the topic of fish populations. In this reef and fish population lesson plan, students watch a slide show about fish populations and how the Peace Corps works with Filipinos to restore the sea life that the local people depend on for food. Learners choose one problem to solve for the lesson plan.