Coral Reef in a Box

Provided by: ClimateScience |Published on: April 27, 2021

Activity - Classroom

Scientist Reviewed ↗

Synopsis

This lesson plan and activity teaches students about coral reefs and how they are being damaged by climate change.
Students will make a coral reef diorama in a shoebox.
The resource includes links to a number of easy-to-understand articles on ocean acidification and coral bleaching.

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Subjects: Science, Visual and Performing Arts

Authors: ClimateScience

Region: Global

Languages: English

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Teaching Materials

Preparation:

The student handout does not include any photographs of coral, so consider having a few images of coral reefs ready to show the students.

Differentiation:

Older students make a dual diorama with one half of the box representing a healthy coral reef and one half of the box representing a bleached coral reef. Students write a few sentences to describe the two scenes.

Interdisciplinary Connections:

Visual Arts
- Modify this activity to make it a sculpting project. Each student sculpts a piece of coral and then the corals are collectively arranged into a reef. The coral reef and a brief description of the dangers they face due to climate change are displayed in the school.

Related Resources:

Other resources on this topic include this interactive storybook about biodiversity in Australia, and this video on ocean acidification.

Scientist Notes

Teaching Tips

Standards

Resource Type and Format

About the Partner Provider

ClimateScience

ClimateScience inspires young talents to seek careers in fields where they contribute to climate solutions. By providing beautifully illustrated, understandable, science-based educational content for free for everyone, they are building the fundamentals for Climate Education.

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Coral Reef in a Box

Synopsis

Teaching Materials

About the Partner Provider

Scientist Reviewed

Related Teaching Resources