Science for sustainable reefs
Activities
1. Experiment: The impact of catchment pollutants on aquatic species
Other activities
ReefEd (Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Australia)
Managing the GBRMP – students gain an understanding of the processes that affect the Great Barrier Reef and the need for sustainable management practices. A link to the printable teaching unit is located at the bottom of the page. Suited to senior secondary students
Reefs at risk – students learn about human-induced threats to the Great Barrier Reef and study ways in which it can be protected. A link to the printable teaching unit is located at the bottom of the page. Suited to students in years 8-10.
Reef rescue – students complete a webquest in which they develop strategies to preserve Great Barrier Reef communities from rising sea levels due to an asteroid impact. Suited to middle school students.
ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies
Educational Resources – provides multiple links to coral reef websites that are useful, scientifically accurate, and easy to navigate. They are loosely arranged by age group and topic and have been chosen for the wealth of useful links and information they contain. You will find lots of information and pictures for both school projects and general interest.
Coral Reef Futures – lists a collection of web-seminars recorded at the Australian Academy of Sciences. The talks present (to a general audience) the latest science which supports the sustainable management of coral reefs, in Australia, our region, and globally. Key issues include pollution, climate change, ocean acidification, fisheries management, conservation planning, capacity building, ecosystem-based management and adaptive governance.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (USA)
Save a reef! – students learn about the value of reefs, threats to reefs and design an information campaign on ways to reduce stresses on coral reef systems. Suited to middle school students.
Protect this! – students learn about the design of marine protected areas to protect biodiversity. They then select a combination of ‘sites’ to protect, based on species abundance and location information.
No fishing? – students complete a worksheet on marine protected areas in various countries using internet research.
Coral Literature, Education and Outreach (CLEO) educational modules – provides teaching modules on coral spawning, coral bleaching and effects of carbon dioxide on coral reefs. Each module includes background information and student activities.
Reef relief (USA)
Coral reef teacher’s guide – presents comprehensive information on coral reefs, threats to reefs and ways to protect reefs. A large number of lessons for a range of age groups are included with printable worksheets.
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Australian Academy of Science.
Posted September 2009, edited August 2012.