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Why study coral ecosystems? Having survived millions of years, coral reefs are among the oldest and most diverse ecosystems on earth. Learning about coral ecosystems encompasses many of the 9-12 grade science curriculum standards. Life cycles of organisms, biological structure and function of organisms, and the behaviors and adaptations of organisms to their environment are all topics easily studied through a focus on coral reefs. All populations in this ecosystem are interdependent and part of a global food web.
Healthy coral ecosystems are important to the humans, plants, fish, and other organisms that depend on them. However, the increasing impact of climate changes and human activities is endangering the very survival of these ecosystems. Pollution, habitat loss, invasive species, and diseases are all threats to the survival of coral ecosystems around the globe. Learning about them- “their fragility and value”- will help students understand what is needed to protect them.
This SciGuide highlights outstanding NOAA resources, such as online tutorials and complete, hands-on, inquiry based lesson plans from the National Ocean Services. These resources address three areas. First, students can study the biology of the coral organism, learning about types of coral and where they are found. Next, resources focus on the populations, habitat, and dynamics of coral ecosystems. Finally, teachers and students, through online data sources and activities, learn about conservation of our coral ecosystems. Natural threats, human disturbances, and the benefits of coral protection focus students on the real world importance of science learning.
Looking to learn more? NSTA’s companion Coral Reef Ecosystems SciPack offers self-paced learning for the teacher, with a certification option. To learn more about NSTA’s SciPacks go to: http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/scipacks.aspx.
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What are corals? Most of us think of coral reefs as places for snorkeling in a warm, tropical sea filled with beautifully colored fish. These stony, shallow water corals are just one type of coral found on earth. There are also soft corals and deep-water corals that live in deep, dark, and cold ocean waters.
Keywords:
- The Coral Organism
- Types of Coral
- Distribution of Corals
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Coral Reefs are complex marine systems. Some have equated them with old-growth forest ecosystems on land. The organisms and populations are dependent on their habitat’s ability to provide energy and matter to support life. The survival and reproductive success of Coral Reef ecosystems is influenced by several factors, including the kinds and numbers of other organisms in the food web, natural and human influences, and, most importantly, sunlight.
Keywords:
- Populations
- Habitat
- Ecosystem Dynamics
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Protecting the world’s coral reefs will require students to understand the hazards and threats to reef survival and to learn what they can do to help protect reefs for the future. By understanding the social, environmental, and economic consequences of loss of coral ecosystems, students can learn and support conservation plans to protect and maintain coral reefs.
Keywords:
- Natural Threats and Changes
- Human Disturbances
- Human Benefits from Coral
- Coral Protection and Monitoring
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Coral Ecosystems SciGuide Map
A quick overview of the Coral Ecosystems Science Guide
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See specific examples or "vignettes" of how to use the web based
resources found within this theme.
- A Reef of One’s Own
- Caution: Do Not Bleach
- Who has the data?
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See immediately teachable lessons utilizing the
web based resources found within this theme.
- A Reef of One’s Own
- Who has the data?
- Caution: Do Not Bleach
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Listen to teachers describe how they used the Web Guides (free mp3 player required)
- Who has the data?
- A Reef of One’s Own
- Caution: Do Not Bleach
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