Teacher Resources

This lesson plan focuses on learning about the importance of coral reefs and how colour can act as an indicator of reef health. Students develop an understanding of living things (coral) that can grow in different shapes and their needs within the habitat (coral reefs). Severe changes in water temperature can cause corals to change colour from brown/green to white (coral bleaching).

This program explores the importance of mangrove forests and their role in supporting marine biodiversity and coastal communities. Students investigate how mangroves store carbon, help mitigate climate change and can be conserved and restored.

Behind the News looks into widespread coral bleaching has been discovered across the Marine Park. We find out more about what that means and why it’s got experts worried about the reef’s future

Compare coral reef and open ocean habitats, sorting animals and explaining adaptions, food chains an how environments meeting living things' needs.

Illustrated through animated diagrams and photos, interviews with scientists, clear language, and footage from around the globe, this series brings concepts from the book to life. Each of these 22 videos (3-8 min each) explores a key topic in oceanography, coral reef ecology, climate change science, and reef conservation. Suited to use in a variety of settings, this series may be used independently or in conjunction with other CoralWatch education materials.

The individual, classroom, lab and field activities are designed for high school and early tertiary level students, and anyone interested in exploring coral reefs, climate change and sustainable living in more detail. Some activities make use of the Coral Health Chart. Additional virtual tools provide an opportunity to learn more about coral bleaching and active monitoring. Virtual tools can be used to prepare for a field trip or as a valuable alternative to a field trip. Away from the reef you can engage in activities in the classroom and your local environment and access recommended DVDs, books, articles and websites.

Behind the News explores a remarkable annual event on the Great Barrier Reef, where coral across the region simultaneously reproduce. This year, however, experts are watching more closely than usual

Students will explore the importance of the Great Barrier Reef and local reefs, investigating the coral lifecycle and the ways ocean life depends on interconnected relationships for survival. They will examine the threats posed by climate change and other human impacts, and discover how citizen scientists contribute valuable data on coral health. Through hands-on practice with virtual tools, students will monitor, collect, and analyse coral data. Finally, they will identify sustainable actions they can take in their daily lives and recognise how community action is essential to protecting reefs for the future.

The lessons and resources of this 'Corals at Your Doorstep' booklet are developed for high schools in the Moreton Bay area and is part of the CoralWatch 'Moreton Bay Education Package'. The lessons and activities in the booklet are aimed at year 7 Science.

Explore what living things need to survive, comparing animal and human needs through sorting, discussion and prioritising activities.

Investigate coral bleaching and human impacts, analysing causes and solutions to explain ecosystem change.