Corals Unit Labs
Provided by: TERC|Published on: April 27, 2021|Last updated: September 26, 2026
Grades: 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Type: Articles/Websites
Subjects: Chemistry, Earth and Space Sciences
Authors: TERC, Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College (SERC)
Location: Earth
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This unit consists of six labs centering on the anatomy of coral, the importance of coral reefs, and the necessary ocean conditions for coral health.
- Students will learn how climate change and other human activities put coral reefs at risk.
Teaching Materials
Positives
- This in-depth unit on corals spans a number of scientific topics and includes hands-on activities and interactive digital components.
- The "Lab Overviews" section identifies all of the materials needed for the activities and provides a quick scope and sequence of the unit.
Additional Prerequisites
- Lab 2 contains an activity in which students examine a live hydra. Teachers may wish to modify the portion of the activity that requires a hydra in the classroom.
- Lab 3 requires a number of materials for the hands-on activity.
- The links to the NOAA articles for Lab 3 do not work.
Differentiation
- High-ability students could complete many lab sections independently and use the self assessments within the labs to check their understanding.
- Science classes can use one or more of these labs when learning about acids and bases, ecosystems, symbiotic relationships, biodiversity, homeostasis, and chemical reactions.
- Assist students with learning differences by pre-teaching vocabulary and main ideas before beginning the labs.
Coral reefs are important marine ecosystems. This resource will improve students' abilities to develop strategies to protect coral reefs and marine biodiversity impacted by climate change. The resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
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