Introduction to Coral Reefs

Coral reefs are full of an abundance of life and color. Why not celebrate it with an edible coral reef? Learners and teachers alike use cake, icing, and candies to create a tasty version of a coral reef that's complete with colors,...

Design a public information campaign to improve understanding of the coral reef crisis. Read about and discuss the biology and threats to the coral reef. The class creates a public information program about the problems facing the coral...

Quick ... name an organism that's an animal, a vegetable, and a mineral. PBS Digital Studios models for viewers the symbiotic relationship between coral reefs zooxanthellae. The video then goes on to explain how climate change has...

Coral reefs cover less than one percent of the ocean floor, yet more than 25 percent of marine life lives in coral reefs. A colorful, engaging video describes the health of coral reefs and why the formations matter. The first lesson in a...

The coral reef ecosystem is abundant and lively. Dive in for an underwater view of the species living there. Polyps, urchin, barracudas, and eels (among others) exist in part because of the sun's presence in this ecosystem. Use this as...

Show the six-minute video, "Changing Planet: Fading Corals," and then demonstrate how calcium carbonate forms a precipitate in the presence of carbon dioxide. Separate your scientists into small groups to gather information about coral...

A three-minute clip covers a new strategy for protecting the coral reefs of Fiji while still allowing fishermen to harvest the fish that people survive on. Connectivity is the name of the game. This colorfully animated resource is a...

Smithsonian Education presents Contrasts in Blue: Life on the Caribbean Coral Reef and the Rocky Coast of Maine. Teachers can download this comprehensive teaching package in which students explore two marine ecosystems, the coral reefs...

Students will learn surveying methods for an ecosystem through a short video. The video focuses on exploring the number and types of fish and the health of the coral reef ecosystem. Site includes a lesson plan and activity worksheet.

Students explore plants and animals that live at various ocean levels, including beaches and coral reefs. They demonstrate their comprehension of ocean layers and life with chalk drawings. Students draw details of plant and animal life,...