Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Fragile Reefs

For Teachers 4th - 12th
Learners research how coral reefs form, where they are located, and what plant and animal species find shelter in reefs, build and display diorama to represent coral and animals that live in coral reef, and participate in discussion...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Who Has the Data? Monitoring Coral Reefs

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars access data to characterize coral reefs. In this scientific research lesson, students access data and explain the need for such data when monitoring coral reefs. They will identify and explain three major threats to coral...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Coral Reefs

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students research coral reefs and identify their benefits to humans, threats to the reef, how to reduce and eliminate threats, and more. In this coral reef lesson plan, students research the reefs, and take a field trip to an aquarium.
Lesson Plan
NOAA

Deep-Sea Ecosystems – Cool Corals

For Teachers 7th - 8th Standards
Young oceanographers research deep sea corals that thrive on chemosynthesis. The lesson focuses on the biology of the animal, preferred habitat, associations, and interactions.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Coral Reefs

For Teachers 4th - 12th
Students research an inhabitant of a Caribbean coral reef using a list of common organisms that live on or near it. Students then write a description of their organism and draw a picture or a 3-D model of it. Eventually they all work...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Blue Planet: Coral Seas

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students create a poster about coral reefs. In this oceanography lesson, students teach the class about a given aspect of the coral reefs.  Students create posters with images and facts about this habitat. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What's Down There

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars write an essay about the coral reefs. In this oceanography lesson, students investigate the reef of Bonaire and compare it to reefs that are not thriving. Young scholars then explore the differences that contribute to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Into the Sea

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Young scholars display an awareness of the diversity of species in the coral reef, their habitat and adaptations. They conduct research to find and then color code the locations of coral reefs around the world.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Seals, Corals, and Dollars...

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Learners explore the interdependence of animals and their habitat.  For this Hawaiian ecology lesson, students work in groups to research the necessity of preserving precious coral as a habitat for monk seals.  Learners prepare...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Coral Mania

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Students examine deep-sea coral. In this coral lesson, students identify the structure and function of a coral polyp. Students then create a model of a coral polyp.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Feeding in the Flow

For Teachers 9th - 12th
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has developed a tremendous library of ocean-themed lessons that can be used in a variety of science settings. "Feeding in the Flow" is one of those activities; Its focus is on...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Into the Spectacular Sea

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students research coral reefs as dynamic ecosystems and the part that each organism plays within that ecosystem. They create a mural of a coral reef.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Seaworthy Presentations

For Teachers 1st
First graders research ocean animals and plants on the web.  In this ocean habitat activity, 1st graders prepare a multimedia presentation.  Students will work on their presentations in pairs and every group should have its own...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Home Sweet Home

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Students explore marine turtle habitats. Students research one species of marine turtle found in the Gulf of Mexico. They identify plants and animals in the habitat. They create a model or replica using information gathered through their...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Oceanic Habitat Zones

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students explore ocean habitats. In this oceanic environment lesson, students research various habitats in the ocean. Then, in a jigsaw format, students teach others in the class about the habitat they researched.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Build an Anchialine Pond

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students explore biology by conducting a nature experiment. In this pond examination instructional activity, students utilize recycled materials, play-doh and water to recreate a pond and its inhabitants. Students identify the different...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Rainforests: What Are They?

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders investigate rain forests by reading a habitat checklist.  In this environment lesson, 2nd graders read the book The Great Kapok Tree, and discuss what characteristics make up a rain forest.  Students explore a...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Where Do We Live?

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders investigate various types of habitats. In this habitat exploration lesson, 2nd graders view a PowerPoint presentation on habitats and explore websites to gather more information. Students choose a habitat to focus on and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Habitats

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders identify characteristics of various habitats. In this habitats lesson, 2nd graders read Where the Forest Meets the Sea and Swimmy to identify the settings of different habitats. Students construct murals of different...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Now Take a Deep Breath

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars research to answer questions related to deep sea diving. In this deep sea diving activity, students answer questions on a worksheet using the Internet. They discuss pressure, gas laws, and the physiology of diving in the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What Does it Take to be a Survivor: Part 2

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Young scholars explore adaptation by completing worksheets. In this fish anatomy activity, students identify the different survival strategies fish utilize to live in the ocean and the adaptation their bodies have gone through over...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Conserving Marine Life

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students discuss the different threats to various marine life. Through research, groups examine threats to specific marine life, evaluate the situation, and develop possible solutions to help marine life regain stability. Conservation...