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Fragile Reefs

Dive deep into the ocean to learn about coral reefs and create a diorama of this undersea ecosystem.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

Gather all the supplies needed to bring your craft ideas to life! From paints and markers to glue and scissors, our crafts section has everything to spark creativity and make every project truly special.

  • Recycled Cardboard Box

Steps

  • Step 1

    Coral reefs are some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world, which is why they're sometimes referred to as the "rainforests of the sea." An estimated 25% of all marine life, including over 4,000 species of fish, depend on healthy coral reefs. Have students learn about these important habitats and about coral polyps, the animals primarily responsible for building reefs. What are some types of coral polyps? How are the reefs formed? Where are they located? What are some of the organisms that live in these reefs? What are some of the benefits to humans of coral reefs? What are some of the forces that threaten the survival of coral reefs and the organisms that depend on them?

  • Step 2

    Ask students to create a diorama of a coral reef. They can first create an ocean background scene on paper that can be placed inside a recycled box. They can then create some of the reef's features out of Model Magic and also draw some undersea creatures on paper that can be cut out and attached in and around the box.

  • Step 3

    Have students present their reefs and talk about some of the things they learned about these fascinating ecosystems.

Standards

SCI: Convey designs through sketches, detailed drawings, or physical models to communicate ideas and solutions.

SCI: Use evidence to support the concept that behaviors can be influenced by the environment and the environment is impacted by behavior.

Adaptations

Have students investigate how scientists at NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) have been collecting and studying sponges, coral, and other marine organisms for use in medicine. How has their work helped major advances in antibiotics?

There are three main types of reefs: fringing, barrier, and atoll. Have students learn what each one is and what defines it. Have them learn about the Great Barrier Reef, which is the world's largest coral reef system and can be seen from space, off the coast of Australia, and Bikini Atoll, which was the site of nuclear weapons testing between 1946 and 1958.