• Edu Home
  • About
• Students
  • 3-5: Mysteries
    • Nautical Charts
    • Sea Floor Mapping
  • 6-12: Tutorials
    • Corals
    • Currents
    • Estuaries
    • Global Positioning
    • Pollution
    • Tides
  • 6-12: Case Studies
    • Prince William's Oily Mess
    • The Lionfish Invasion
  • Games
  • Resources
  • Projects
• Teachers
  • Ocean&Climate Literacy
  • Professional Dev.
    • Coral Reefs
    • Estuaries
    • Ocean & Climate
    • Climate Resources
    • Problem Based Learning
  • Lesson Plans
  • Curriculum
• For Fun
• NOS Home

Coral Reefs

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 including life cycles of organisms, biological structure and function of organisms, and the behaviors and adaptations of organisms to their environment. All populations in this ecosystem are interdependent and part of a global food web.

Healthy coral ecosystems are important to humans, plants, fish, and other organisms that depend on them. However, changes in climate and human activities are endangering these ecosystems. Pollution, habitat loss, invasive species, and diseases are all threats to the survival of coral ecosystems around the globe. Learning about the fragility and value of coral ecosystems will help students understand what is needed to protect these resources.

Classroom Resources

These resources provide information, online data, and activities about the biology of the coral organism, types and distribution of coral; the populations, habitats, and dynamics of coral ecosystems; and the monitoring and conservation of coral ecosystems.

Teacher Tutorials

The Living Reef		The Abiotic Setting		Interdependence		Ecosystems in Crisis

Click here for system requirements and how to access the tutorials (pdf, 388Kb).

Cooperatively developed by NOAA scientists and National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) pedagogic experts, these tutorials are designed to help teachers understand a set of ideas based on the science literacy goals in the National Science Education Standards. Each tutorial focuses on a key content idea with interactive simulations and embedded questions.

Web Seminar Archives

In collaboration with the NSTA, NOAA has presented a series of 90-minute, professional development experiences. Through the following links you can view archives of these Web seminars, download PowerPoint presentations, and access additional resources.

Coral Ecosystems I: Human and Natural Impacts and Coral Bleaching 101
http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/
anaheim/coral/webseminar.aspx

These Web seminars focus on humans and natural impacts affecting coral reefs, such as pollution, disease, and invasive species. A primer on coral bleaching and what causes it is also presented, as well as the impact of hurricanes and wave action on reefs, how NOAA monitors coral bleaching, and what teachers and students can do to help coral reefs.

Coral Ecosystems II: Impacts to Coral Reefs and Land Based Pollution Threats
http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/
boston08/Corals/webseminar.aspx

These Web seminars focus on how watersheds, animals, industry, environmental stress, and human recreation (e.g., diving, sailing, and boating) are impacting the health of coral reefs. Information on coral biology, the value of coral reefs, land-based pollution impacts, and management actions is also presented.

(top)