Curated OER
Your Expedition of Discovery
Young scholars study GPS and see how it is used to determine points on the Earths surface. In this expedition lesson students use GPS to find given coordinates.
Curated OER
Great Blobs of Jelly!
Students explain how zoo-plankton have an impact on the global process. In this ocean zoo-plankton lesson students calculate carbon flux and plankton densities.
Curated OER
Ocean Drifters
Students define terms, and identify three ways in which plankton are adapted for life in the open ocean. In this ocean drift lesson students design a planktonic organism.
Curated OER
Do You Have the Key?
Students practice using a dichotomous key. In this classification instructional activity, students read an article about scientific exploration and identification of new species. They use a dichotomous key to identify objects and create...
Curated OER
Outta Gas
Students explore practical problems that are related to scuba diving. In this oxygen lesson plan students complete a lab activity.
Curated OER
Let's Get Specific
Students explore how different species thrive. In this speciation instructional activity students research and complete a lab activity.
The Wild Classroom
The Wild Classroom: Biomes of the World: Coral Reef Biome
Learn about the coral reef ecosystem. Find out about plants, animals, adaptations, and conservation efforts.
National Geographic
National Geographic: Coral Reef Fish Survey Simulation
Students will learn surveying methods for an ecosystem through a short video. The video focuses on exploring the number and types of fish and the health of the coral reef ecosystem. Site includes a lesson plan and activity worksheet.
Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Learning Lab: Contrasts in Blue: Life on the Caribbean Coral Reef and the Rocky Coast of Maine
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...
Nature Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy: Coral Reefs of Palau: Nature's Amazing Underwater Cities
This lesson takes students 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....
Encyclopedia of Earth
Encyclopedia of Earth: Coral Reef
Article discussing what a coral reef is, different types, reef biodiversity, and threats to their survival.
US Environmental Protection Agency
Epa: Climate Action Benefits: Coral Reefs
A comprehensive look at coral reefs, this article shares information about coral reefs and the conservation initiatives that are in effect.
National Geographic
National Geographic: Coral Reef Food Web
Explore the food web in a coral reef with these illustration. Identify the consumers, producers, and decomposers that are located within this ecosystem. Site includes illustration exploring the different food chains as well as questions...
NOAA
Noaa: Florida Keys: Coral Reefs
This effective site provides interesting information on the third largest coral reef system in the world. Physical requirements needed for coral reefs to survive are included in this site. Growth and Reproduction, coral reef types, and...
American Institute of Biological Sciences
Action Bioscience: Coral Reefs Under Stress
Coral reefs, home to many vibrant plants and animals, are suffering from the affects of climate change and the increase of acid in ocean waters. Delve into the benefits and concerns of these beautiful ecosystems.
NOAA
Noaa: International Year of the Ocean: Pacific Coral Reef
"This [online] coral book was created to provide the reader with an introduction to the Pacific's fascinating coral reef ecosystem." The resource is for young students learning about life under the sea. Translated in English, Hawaiian...
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of Natural History: Ocean Portal: Corals and Coral Reefs
Learn about corals and the importance of coral reefs to ocean ecosystems. Find out how reefs are created, what threats they face, and what kinds of conservation tactics are being used to protect and preserve them.
Next.cc
Next: Coral Reefs
Learn about the plants, animals and sea life that inhabit coral reefs by completing the five activities. Explore reefs further by clicking on one of the numerous links provided.
NOAA
Noaa: Ocean Explorer: Keeping Watch on Coral Reefs
Students read coral reef tutorials, describe the role of satellites, analyze oceanographic data, and identify actions to reduce threats to these fragile ecosystems. Their goal is to ultimately produce a public education program about...
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...
US Geological Survey
Usgs: Imperiled National Treasures: u.s. Coral Reefs
Efforts to protect and conserve coral reefs located in territories of the United States fall into the hands of the USGS. Scientists are working diligently to understand the marine ecosystems so as to determine the exact reasons many are...
Other
Florida Department of Environmental Protection: Climate Change and Coral Reefs
Find out about the devastating effects climate change is having on Florida's coral reef ecosystems.
Other
Sea Sky: Reef Life
The coral reef, its composition and inhabitants are explored here in detail. With additional information about the life that inhabits a coral reef.
PBS
Pbs Teachers:city in the Sea: Defending Coral Reefs
Research current threats to coral reefs around the world. Write letters to conservation organizations urging support for coral reef protection.