Coral Reef Ecology | (Marine Biology)
In this four week course, learners will learn the ins and outs of coral reef ecology, from symbiotic relationships in the reef to the life cycle of the coral themselves. Let's dive in!
Allie Wilson, MAT
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(309)
What's included
4 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentHomework
1-2 hours per week. Each week, there will be a short quiz for students to complete to test their knowledge. Additional tasks and supplemental materials will be shared in the classroom for students to read, watch, and complete, as desired. Students will be encouraged to join in weekly discussion with classmates (pending section enrollment)!Assessment
includedGrading
Student scores on their weekly quizzes and final test are returned immediately. I give written feedback on all submitted assignments. Please let me know if you would like a final numerical or letter grade.Class Experience
US Grade 5 - 8
In this exciting four-week course, students will dive deep into the world of coral reefs. Week 1 | Coral, their life cycles, and dependency on algae Week 2 | Types of corals (hard, soft, and deep sea) and reefs (atoll, patch, fringing, and barrier) Week 3 | Symbiotic relationships in the reefs (including clownfish, anemones, cleaner wrasses, spider crabs, and isopods) Week 4 | Reef animals, threats to reef ecosystems, and conservation efforts __________________________________________________________________________________ Each lesson includes a 15-30 minute pre-recorded video on the scheduled topics will be posted for students to watch. In addition, supplemental videos, homework assignments, tasks, fun activities, and discussion questions will be posted. Students who diligently complete the assignments and tasks will get the most out of the course. If you are taking this as a home-school course, please message me to discuss assessment (letter/percentage grades, etc). Please note that this class does have some overlap with my one-time course "Wildlife Tour of the Great Barrier Reef". About half of one week's work overlaps with that class. If students have taken that course, I am happy to give a $5 discount to make up for this.
Learning Goals
After four weeks, students will be able to...
1) Describe coral as organisms and how many individual corals can form a reef
2) Describe the relationships between animals that allow the ecosystem to thrive
3) Describe the wide variety of reefs and corals
4) Describe and identify several animals that live on the reef
5) Explain ways that we can protect reef ecosystems
Syllabus
4 Lessons
over 4 WeeksLesson 1:
Coral, their life cycles, and dependency on algae
This lesson covers coral reefs, discussing colonial polyps, their endemic nature, and classification within Cnidaria and Anthozoa. It explores symbiotic relationships with zooxanthellae, coral bleaching, and major reefs worldwide. 1 assignment
Lesson 2:
Types of corals (hard, soft, and deep sea) and reefs
This lesson explores coral types and reef formations, including hard and soft corals, their structures, and feeding methods. Additionally, we will learn about deep-sea coral and various reef types such as fringe reefs, barrier reefs, atolls, and patch reefs. 1 assignment
Lesson 3:
Symbiotic relationships in the reefs
This lesson explores symbiotic relationships in coral reefs. We'll learn about mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism, detailing how different organisms benefit, harm, or remain unaffected by their interactions. Examples include zooxanthellae with polyps, clownfish with sea anemones, and various other reef inhabitants. 1 assignment
Lesson 4:
Reef animals, threats to reef ecosystems, and conservation efforts
This lesson highlights reef inhabitants and threats to coral reefs. We'll explore exciting reef animals like lionfish, mandarinfish, and moray eels. We will also discuss threats such as coral bleaching and invasive species, emphasizing conservation efforts to protect coral reefs. Other Details
Parental Guidance
Climate change is briefly covered as a threat to marine ecosystems. Parasites are discussed and some mild photos are shown. I'm happy to share these if you would like to see in advance for any sensitive learners.
Supply List
Handouts, lesson videos, and assignments will be provided. Students will have the ability to complete all assignments digitally but may choose to complete them using pen/pencil, markers, paint, etc.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined July, 2020
4.9
309reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Arkansas Teaching Certificate in Science
I have a Bachelor's degree in Biology and a Master's degree in teaching science, including zoology. In the past, I have worked in an aquarium with marine animals.Reviews
Self-Paced Course
$10
weekly or $40 for all content4 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks of teacher support
Choose your start date
1 year of access to the content
Completed by 39 learners
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Ages: 10-14
