One of the few biological structures visible from space, the Great Barrier Reef stretches over 2,300 km (1,430 miles) and began life about 600,000 years ago. It is home to more than 400 types of coral and 2,000 species of fish.
Corals reefs globally occupy less than 1% of the ocean, but support 25% of all marine life. 30% of all reefs are estimated to be severely damaged, and close to 60% may be lost by 2030.
Hard corals and other organisms which secrete calcium carbonate contribute most to reef building. The reef needs to be structurally strong to cope with differing light and sediment conditions as well as wave and storm power.
Both hard and soft reef-building corals can only exist within a limited range of conditions, needing light and an optimum temperature and salinity range. The ideal conditions for coral reef growth are water temperatures of 26°C to 27°C, and salinity of 36 parts per thousand. If the water is clear, corals can grow to a depth of over 100m. This is reduced to 8m if the water is turbid or cloudy.
Other species living on the reef, such as clams and parrotfish eat corals, contributing to bioerosion, so there is a natural reef cycle of production and destruction.
This cycle can be disturbed by upsetting the ecological balance. The threats to coral reefs include:
Most of the threats above are caused directly or indirectly by human activity.
The Great Barrier Reef has lost half its coral cover since 1985. The loss was due to storm damage (48%), Crown-of-thorns starfish (42%), and bleaching (10%) according to a 2012 study by researchers from the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS).
X-Curric | Ages 7 - 11
Based on journeys undertaken by real explorers and scientists, the Frozen Oceans (Primary) education programme is designed to introduce students to what life is like in the High Arctic.
Geography | Ages 11 - 14
The Frozen Oceans Geography resources are designed to take 11-14-year-olds on a journey to the Arctic following the expedition team on the 2011 Catlin Arctic Survey.
Science | Ages 11 - 14
The Frozen Oceans Science resources introduce working scientifically concepts and skills to 11-14-year-olds through enquiry-based lessons which replicate work done by field scientists in the Arctic.
Geography | Ages 14 - 16
This Frozen Oceans education resource includes two data case studies that introduce students to ocean acidification and sea ice thickness. The core of each case study is a data set from real expeditions.
Science | Ages 14 - 16
This Frozen Oceans unit outlines the research carried out by the Catlin Arctic Surveys and can be used in teaching the carbon cycle, ocean acidification and its impact on the Arctic ecosystem.
Science / Geography | Ages 7 - 11
Our Ocean Planet takes students on a voyage round the world. Starting with Britain's surrounding seas, students will study the diversity and importance of the oceans from the Arctic to the Southern Ocean.
Science | Ages 14 - 16
Plankton, Plastics and Poo for GCSE Science introduces students to the pioneering research on the impact of microplastics on the marine ecosystem. This resource brings cutting edge science to the classroom.
Computing | Ages 7 - 11
Code Smart is a computing and robotics education programme based on driverless car technologies. Code Smart takes students on a journey from complete beginners to code creators.
Computing | Ages 11 - 14
Code Smart is a computing and robotics education programme based on driverless car technologies. Students will develop their ability to code as well as their design thinking as they tackle smart city challenges.
Science | Ages 7 - 11
These resources for ages 7-11 are based on the journeys undertaken by science teams taking part in the XL Catlin Seaview Survey expeditions. These resources present a complete scheme of work for the science classroom, covering core science and sustainability curriculum areas as well as enhancing students' creative and communications skills.
Science | Ages 11 - 14
These resources for ages 11-14 are based on the journeys undertaken by science teams taking part in the XL Catlin Seaview Survey expeditions. Starting with the Great Barrier Reef in 2012, these expeditions seek to create a baseline survey of the world's reefs as well as more in-depth research on the deep reef lying between 30m and 100m.
Geography | Ages 14 - 16
This unique scheme of work for GCSE Geography uses research carried out by the XL Catlin Seaview Survey expedition team in Timor-Leste and focuses on the interrelationship between humans and coral reefs.
Science | Ages 11 - 14
Submarine STEM challenges students to consider aspects of submarine design. Each lesson contains a practical investigation examining the scientific principles involved in exploring the deep ocean.
Science | Ages 7 - 11
This unique scheme of work for Key Stage 2 combines science and design technology to discover the wonders of deep-sea exploration through a series of stimulating and immersive lessons.
Citizenship / English | Ages 11 - 14, 14 - 16
My Voice-My School focuses on the topic of quality education as enshrined in the United Nations Global Goals for Sustainable Development. Connecting UNRWA's schools with partner schools overseas, the project seeks to stimulate student conversation about quality education and what individuals and communities can do to help make it a reality for all.
Citizenship / English | Ages 7 - 11, 11 - 14
My Voice-My school gives students the opportunity to share their ideas about education and their future. The project is grounded in the UN Global Goals for Sustainable Development, with a focus on Goal 4 Quality Education. These lesson plans and resources for ages 9-12 are based on video conversations between schools.
Science | Ages 14 - 16
This Coral Oceans GCSE Science unit of work challenges students to think about the impact they have on coral reefs as they study their importance, the consequences of threats and how to protect them. The cumulative approach to this unit means students will develop skills throughout to complete a decision-making exercise in the last lesson.