Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Changing Coral Reef

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students record changes in the composition of a coral reef.  In this Coral Reef lesson plan, students recognize the needs of Coral Reef species to survive.  Students chart changes in population over time. Students write an...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Keeping Watch on Coral Reefs

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students investigate the dangers Coral Reefs face by investigating satellite images.  In this environmental protection lesson, students utilize the Internet to discover the types of satellites and sensors used to provide...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

How Diverse is That?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Compare various types of biological diversity in a coral reef and calculate a numeric indicator that describes the diversity found in coral communities. Your class can work in groups to look at the abundance and distribution data of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Design a Reef!

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Young scholars explore coral reef ecosystems.  In this ecosystems science instructional activity, students research coral reef ecosystems to determine the major functions the participating organisms must perform.  Young...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What's Down There?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Investigate the coral reefs around Mokolai Island, Hawaii by researching and writing about improving the reef ecosystem.  Students map threats to the ecosystem and use the list of key words to assist in their descriptions
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Deep Gardens

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Learners compare and contrast deep-sea coral reefs with shallow-water coral reefs. In this underwater ecology lesson, students describe three types of coral and explain why scientists are concerned about the future of deep-sea coral.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Introduction to Ocean Grazers

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students explore biology by creating a poster with classmates. In this oceanography lesson, students identify the importance of coral reefs to the ocean's ecology and examine a food web of ocean animals. Students define a list of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Growing A Coral Skeleton

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students research the growth of coral. For this coral polyps lesson, students simulate the growth of coral by using available materials to grow crystals. Students record observations in a scientific journal.
Lesson Plan
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Seals, Corals, and Dollars...

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

Filter Feeding in Reef Sponges

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students investigate the role of sponges in our oceans.  In this biology lesson plan, students create a diagram visualizing how sponges bring food into their bodies through a filtering process.  Students discuss the connections...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Build an Anchialine Pond

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

Using Science Fiction To Understand Biological Concepts

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars read and discuss," The Andromeda Strain" by Michael Crichton and complete a short writing exercise as a warm-up for a longer piece of science fiction writing. They choose a topic and create a science fiction short story...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Frog's Life Story

For Teachers K - 8th
Students investigate the lives of frogs by completing several worksheets.  In this biology lesson, students discover the life cycle of a frog from tadpole to death.  Students complete frog life cycle puzzle as well as create a...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What Does it Take to be a Survivor? Part One

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students explore marine animal adaptation. In this introductory ocean life biology lesson, students access prior knowledge by participating in a whole class "thought swap." Students form two lines, respond to a prompt from the teacher...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

My Wet Robot

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners design an underwater vehicle. In this engineering lesson plan, students will design an underwater robot that includes specific systems for it to function properly. Each group will present their prototype to the class.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Lesson on GPS

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students investigate global positioning systems. For this technology and mapping lesson, students view a PowerPoint presentation in which they identify the features of a GPS, state its uses, and follow steps to find a waypoint.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Supermarkets, Sustenance and Sustainability

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students investigate jungles and the people who depend upon them.  In this sustainability instructional activity, students research wild life conservation and discover the importance of a jungle to Amazonian people.  Students...