Play Under the Sea

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...

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...

What is coral bleaching? Tackle a trendy topic with a narrated animation. Through a combination of video and illustration, the narrator introduces viewers to a coral reef, then goes inside a coral polyp to show its symbiotic relationship...

This lesson takes learners on a virtual field trip to the coral reefs of Palau where they will explore amazing underwater cities found near a remote network of islands in the Pacific Ocean. Learn all about an ecosystem of symbiosis....

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...

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...

This video segment, adapted from NOVA, describes the energy flow in a coral reef, including its food web. [3:48]

Coral reefs are often portrayed as brightly lit, bustling underwater marvels full of colorful creatures. This video segment, adapted from NOVA, paints a different picture as it explores the nocturnal behavior of organisms in the reef....

A comprehensive look at coral reefs, this article shares information about coral reefs and the conservation initiatives that are in effect.

Learn about the coral reef ecosystem. Find out about plants, animals, adaptations, and conservation efforts.