Link to Student Page

Explore the Coral Reefs

Introduction

This lesson was developed as part of the San Diego Unified School District's Triton Project, a federally funded Technology Innovation Challenge Grant.

The goal of the lesson is to generate interest in and knowledge about Coral Reefs. Students will produce exhibitions which demostrate knowledge and understanding of coral reefs.

Content

This lesson incorporates Science, Language Arts, Geography, Art and Technology. It can be used with children of all ability levels and adapted for grades K-2.

Curriculum Standards

Children will learn basic information about Coral Reefs in the following area:

• Location of reefs
• Coral Reef information
• Different types of corals
• Creatures that live in the Coral Reef

Upon completion of this lesson, students will be able to

• Use the Coral Reef worksheet to map out where coral reefs are located
• Use theWorld Wide Web and resource books to learn how Coral Reefs are formed
• Using clay build two different types of corals found on the reef
• Create a diorama displaying at least five different creatures found in the Coral Reefs.
• Grow coral.
• Use Kid Pix, Hyperstudio, and/or Storybook Weaver to write and illustrate a story, pretending you are an animal living on the coral reef.

Students will use the Coral Reef Research Sheet as a guide in finding and organizing data.

Implementation Overview

This lesson could take two to four weeks depending on available technology, depth of subject, and ability level of students. The lesson is multidisciplinary and can be used with a variety of grouping strategies and teaching techniques.

Resources Needed

These resources can be used to implement the lesson.

Ocean Life by Lisa Jo Rudy (Scholastic)

All about Coral and Coral Reefs by Sea World

The Ocean by Dr. Judi Hechtman, Sandra Ford Grove, Tonya Mester (Creative Teacher Press)

Coral Reefs, Natures Richest Realm by Roger Steene

• Mount Neighbour Primary Schools Coral Reef Links
• Big Island Coral Reef Conservation Group
• Birch Aquarium Home Page
• Sea World
• The Coral Reef Alliance
• Coral Reefs on Ice
• Oceanography Pen-Pal Games

Entry Level Skills and Knowledge

Students and teachers will need a basic knowledge of computer skills and an introduction to KidPix, StoryBook Weaver, HyperStudio and the Internet.

Evaluation

The rubric can be used to evaluate the student projects on an individual bases.

Conclusion

When the projects are completed, the students will have gained a broader knowledge of coral reefs and the use ot technology. They will have gained a greater appreciation and respect for living creatures and the natural environment of the ocean.