Coral Reef Biodiversity:  Dive into the Species Found on a Coral Reef

  

This project is a collaboration between the NOAA Regional Collaboration Network and Woods Hole Sea Grant.

Summary

This 2nd grade, standards-based activity is meant to accompany our NOAA Live! Webinars on corals and serve as an example of how you can dive deeper into the content with your students.  We encourage you to first explore the coral reef by watching the NOAA Live! segments we have highlighted in the activity.  Then use this hands-on activity with your students. Students will create their own coral reef and both explore the different plants and animals found there as well as the importance of each organism to the health of the reef.

NOAA Live! Webinars Highlighted: Dive In and Explore Coral Reef Ecosystems, Texas Corals, and Mantas, and Sharks, Oh My!, Cold Dark Secrets: Discovering Alaska’s Deep-Sea Corals and Sponges, Saving Corals: A Day in the Life of a Coral Reef Scientist, Fin-tastic Fun with Coral Reef Fish Surveys

Lesson Plan

Coral Reef Biodiversity:  Dive into the Species Found on a Coral Reef

Activity Photo Sheets

(courtesy of Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary)

Algae

Sponges

Stony Coral 

Jellies 

Crustacean 

Mollusk 

Echinoderm (sea stars, sea cucumbers, and sea urchins)

Bony Fish 

Cartilaginous Fish Species (sharks and rays) 

Reptiles and Birds

This lesson meets the following Standards:

• NGSS:

1. 1. 2-LS4-1. Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats.

• MA STE:

1. 1. 2-LS2-3(MA) Develop and use models to compare how plants and animals depend on their surroundings and other living things to meet their needs in the places they live.

• Ocean Literacy Principles:

1. 1. Principle 5 - The ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems.