Curated OER
Build a Coral Polyp
Students build a coral polyp out of a banana, straw, oyster crackers, sprinkles, and more. In this coral polyp lesson plan, students also list the differences between plants and animals.
Curated OER
Save a Reef!
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...
Curated OER
Coral Polyp Party
Students complete a project where they label the parts of a coral polyp and discuss the differences between plants and animals. Students use marshmallows, sprinkles, toothpicks, and more to label their coral polyp.
Curated OER
Making an Edible Coral Polyp
Students study anatomy. In this coral reef lesson, students recreate the anatomy of a coral polyp using edible materials. They work in pairs following step-by-step instructions given by the teacher. This lesson includes a list of...
Curated OER
Background Reading and Coral Dramas
Students create a dramatic play. For this coral lesson, students explore the anatomy of coral. Working in groups, students research the form and function of coral and present a skit to represent their learning.
Curated OER
Lesson #5: Symbiosis and Coral Anatomy
Fifth graders examine the basic structure of corals and the concept of symbiosis. They watch a Powerpoint Presentation, develop an original pair of organisms living symbiotically, and create an edible model of a coral polyp.
US Fish and Wildlife Service
United States Coral Reef Task Force
The US Coral Reef Task Force was created to protect and sustain US coral reefs. This website provides general coral reef information as well as updates from the most recent task force meetings.
NOAA
Noaa: Ocean Service Education: Corals
This Coral Tutorial is an excellent resource with diagrams, pictures, animations and short videos. All aspects of coral biology are discussed. As an added benefit, pdf versions of the site are available along with a subject review...
Texas A&M University
Ocean World: Coral Reefs
Did you know that coral is actually an animal? This site uncovers information on these sea creatures as well as provides links to other coral reef sites.