Changing Planet: Fading Corals
Provided by: NBC News Learn|Published on: March 20, 2021
Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Type: Videos
Subjects: Biology, Earth and Space Sciences
Authors: NBC News Learn
Region: Global
Languages: English
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- In this 6-minute video, students will learn that carbon dioxide emissions have caused ocean waters to warm and become more acidic, damaging corals in reefs around the world.
- As corals disappear, ocean biodiversity decreases, and coastal regions become more susceptible to erosion and storm surge.
Teaching Materials
Classroom Implementation:
- Use this video to introduce lessons on biodiversity, conservation, or aquatic ecosystems.
Prerequisites:
- Though the video presents an overview of the symbiotic relationship between coral and zooxanthellae, consider elaborating on how zooxanthellae are related to coral bleaching.
Extensions:
- Students 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.
Interdisciplinary Connections:
- Social Studies
- Discuss the impact that coral reef destruction has on coastal erosion, storm surge protection, tourism, and the fishing industry.
Related Resources:
- 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.
This resource is a 6-minute video exploring the impact of climate change and ocean acidification on coral reefs. It is a highly-produced video with simple graphics and includes several high-quality interviews with scientists studying coral reefs. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
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