Research Lesson: Coral Reefs
Lesson Plan
2 hours 15 minutesGrades9, 10, 11, 12English Language Arts
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Written by Emily Pepitone
About this lesson
In this lesson, students examine the relationship between climate change, coral reefs, and ocean organisms, strengthening their sense of responsibility and Hawai’i.
Step 1 - Inquire: Students learn about current threats to the ocean, summarize their observations of zooxanthellae, and develop connections between their favorite ocean hobby and threats to ocean life.
Step 2 - Investigate: Students explore the role of coral reefs in maintaining biodiversity through a jigsaw-style reading and create a one-page group summary.
Step 3 - Inspire: Students research a local ocean organism and create a first-person narrative exploring the connections between climate change, coral reefs, and their oceanic organisms.
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Everything you need to teach it
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Positives
- This lesson aligns with Hawai'i's Nā Hopena A'o HĀ-BREATH Framework.
- Students learn that carbon dioxide emissions have caused ocean waters to warm and become more acidic, damaging coral reefs around the world.
- Students learn the connection between corals, ocean biodiversity, and coastal regions susceptible to erosion and storm surge.
- The lesson explains the structure and function of coral reefs with strong visuals, animations, interviews, and narration.
- Students utilize AVID strategies to increase engagement and literacy.
Additional Prerequisites
- The video Stand Up for Our Ocean presents an overview of the symbiotic relationship between coral and zooxanthellae, but teachers may want to elaborate on how zooxanthellae are related to coral bleaching.
- Students will need poster boards and markers or other writing materials.
- Students will need a device to complete their presentations.
Differentiation
- Students could research the types of organisms that live in coral reefs and make a slideshow to show how coral bleaching affects the other organisms that live in coral ecosystems.
- Social studies classes could discuss the impact that coral reef destruction has on coastal erosion, storm surge protection, tourism, and the fishing industry.
- Other resources on this topic include this interactive video on the factors that contribute to coral bleaching, this lesson on the importance of coral ecosystems, and this activity on resistance to coral bleaching.
From the scientist review
Students can learn about species like zooxanthellae and their place in the ocean environment through this lesson. Additionally, they will learn about the main dangers to coral reefs and how to rebuild biodiversity in the marine ecosystem. The lesson has passed our science credibility process after being examined along with all the related materials, videos, and resources.
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About the teacher writer
Emily Pepitone
AP Language, 11th Grade English Teacher
Emily Pepitone holds a Master's in education from Moreland University. They have 6 years of experience teaching AP Language, Humanities, Creative Writing, English across grades 7-8-9-10-11-12.
