Changing Planet: Coral Reefs

This video provides a comprehensive introduction to the role of coral reefs, the physiology of corals, and the impacts of ocean warming and acidification on coral survival. It highlights experts from the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences and the University of Miami.

Go To:

https://www.youtube.com/watch

NBC Learn/Windows to the Universe

Notes From Our Reviewers

The CLEAN collection is hand-picked and rigorously reviewed for scientific accuracy and classroom effectiveness. Read what our review team had to say about this resource below or learn more about how CLEAN reviews teaching materials

Teaching Tips

Video can stand alone or can be used with one of the activities suggested in the pedagogy section below.

This video is available on the http://www.windows2universe.org/] and the [http://www.nbclearn.com/changingplanet websites. There is a transcript for the video at the latter website.

About the Science

Video discusses coral bleaching, which is caused by warming ocean temperatures and ocean acidification.

The focus is on the biology of corals and how researchers study the complex ecosystems of coral reefs.

Comments from expert scientist: This video is very well done, with up-to-date research featured. The interviews with scientists are a highlight.

About the Pedagogy

The video covers most aspects of the structure and function of coral reef with strong visuals, animations, interviews, and narration.

The video can be used to introduce a unit on coral reefs.

There is an accompanying lesson plan at: http://www.windows2universe.org/teacher_resources/fading_corals.html

Also see an EarthLabs module on corals that can complement this resource: http://serc.carleton.edu/earthlabs/corals/activities.html

Technical Details

This is a broadcast-quality video that has sufficient resolution for classroom projection.

Downloading and ad-free access is available for Windows to the Universe subscribers.

Literacy and Resources

Relation Link:

http://cleanet.org/resources/42849.html

Climate Literacy:

7 d Increased acidity of oceans and negative impacts on food chain due to increasing carbon dioxide levels

7 e Ecosystems on land and in the ocean have been and will continue to be disturbed by climate change

Climate change has consequences

Topics:

Ecosystem Changes

Plants and Animals

Ocean Warming / Acidification

Grade Level:

High School (9-12)

Middle (6-8)