Coral Reef Ecology | (Marine Biology)
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...
4 lessons//4 Weeks
Week 1Lesson 1Coral, their life cycles, and dependency on algaeThis 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.Week 2Lesson 2Types of corals (hard, soft, and deep sea) and reefsThis 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.Week 3Lesson 3Symbiotic relationships in the reefsThis 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.Week 4Lesson 4Reef animals, threats to reef ecosystems, and conservation effortsThis 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.
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
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.
Homework Offered
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)!1 - 2 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Grades Offered
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.
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.
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
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.
Scroll down for class information, policies, and tuition assistance if you are unable to afford my classes. 🦎ABOUT ME🦑 Hi! I'm Allie. I'm a science teacher from Arkansas and I LOVE animals, zoology, and biology. I teach at Outschool because,...
Self-Paced Class
$10
weekly or $40 for all content4 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks of teacher feedback
Choose your start date
1 year of access to the content
Completed by 28 learners
Ages: 10-14