Saving the world’s coral reefs
Students will answer questions based on the Science News article "Rebuilding reefs."
Educator Guide: Rebuilding Reefs
About this guide
“Rebuilding reefs” explores how scientists are working to save coral reefs. Researchers agree that reefs are under threat because of human activity, including climate change, but different research teams are finding their own unique ways to help reefs recover. In this guide, students can explore ways scientists share information and build on each other’s work, as well as how scientists design experiments and collect evidence to test specific ideas.
This Guide Includes:
Diving in to coral research
Students will search the Science News archives for stories related to coral reef science and coral bleaching.
Coral Conference
Coral reefs are one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. Along with providing food and shelter for a variety of marine organisms, coral reefs reduce erosion and protect coastal cities from storms. However, coral reefs are threatened by the effects of climate change. In this activity, students will model the complex interactions that occur within corals, their ecosystem and the Earth’s spheres to learn about how climate change harms coral reefs. After modeling how these interactions change with increasing ocean temperatures, students will brainstorm potential ways to solve or mitigate coral bleaching.