Let's create continuous conversations about climate change education: Spreading the Sediment of Science!

Resistance to Coral Bleaching

Provided by: BioInteractive |Published on: October 15, 2021

Lesson Plans Grades 9-12

Synopsis

In this activity from BioInteractive, students interpret and analyze data presented in a bar graph from a study that investigated the potential for corals to become more resistant to bleaching.
It demonstrates how the increase in temperature affects coral reefs and if they might be able to cope with this change.

Subjects: Biology

Authors: BioInteractive

Region: Global

Languages: English, Spanish

Positives

This resource includes the "Interpreting the Figures" and "Discussion Questions" sections that can be used to enhance students' critical thinking and interpretive skills.
The "Educator Materials" document contains labeled illustrations, background information, interpretation of the illustrations, and discussion questions.
Students learn how to analyze data from a scientific figure.

Prerequisites

The teacher must download PDFs of the educator materials and the student handout.
The resource includes a JPG available for the graph.
Teachers can find the materials in Spanish.

Differentiation & Implementation

Support group (below level): The teacher could lead the discussion and help students develop observations and interpretations.
Extension group (above level): Students may be asked to research the relationship between the temperature of the water and the extent of coral bleaching.
The teacher could ask students to complete a project in which they describe how coral reefs benefit humans and other organisms and explain coral bleaching and its impacts.
Other recommended resources include Coral Reefs Are Dying. Here's How We Can Save Them. and Changing Planet: Fading Corals.

Scientist Notes

Teaching Tips

Standards

Resource Type and Format