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Human activity and the coral ecosystem
This lesson examines the relationship between humans and the coral reef using the island of Curacao in the southern Caribbean as a case study. This lesson is aimed at GCSE (ages 14-16) students, with older students also able to benefit if they cannot access the later lesson. The live lesson will cover the value of coral reef ecosystems to humans and the planet, as well as the threats that human activity poses to the reef. This is the second of three lessons on the coral ecosystem for advanced students
Curriculum links
Human activity and its impact on coral reef ecosystems
- The value of coral reef ecosystems to humans and the planet
- Human induced threats and their impacts to the coral reef ecosystem to include: climate change, major drainage basin schemes, onshore developments, desalinisation, pollution, tourism, fishing
Preparation
If this will be the first time that you have taken part in an Encounter Edu live lesson, have a look at the resources in the guidance hub, where you will find technical and educational support.
This live lesson is suited to all students studying human impact on ecosystems, and will be of particular relevance to those studying coral ecosystems at GCSE.
The lesson assumes no prior knowledge of corals, but students may find it useful to have covered some aspects of the learning. Lesson 4 and Lesson 5 of the Coral Oceans Geography | Ages 14-16 unit or Lesson 2 and Lesson 3 from the Coral Oceans Science | Ages 14-16 unit can help with preparation and revision.
Questions generated by your class can be submitted via the Encounter Live tab in your Encounter Edu profile.
Session steps
1. Introduction (5 mins)
The live lesson will open with a welcome to Coral Live and the base for the live event, the CARMABI research station in the southern Caribbean. The host will give any shout outs to participating schools and students.
2. Meet Mark (5 mins)
The live lesson will be delivered by Mark Vermeij, Science Director at CARMABI, who has been studying the reefs of Curacao for decades.
3. Ecosystem goods and services (10 mins)
Coral reefs benefit the planet and people hugely. They are worth an estimated $9.8 trillion per year, support 25 percent of all marine species and provide livelihoods to hundreds of millions around the world. Mark will explain the importance of coral reefs in general and Curacao as a case study.
4. Human threats to the reef (10 mins)
Mark will then discuss human threats to the reef, describing both local threats such as water quality, coastal development, and tourism, as well as wider threats such as ocean warming and tropical storms.
5. Q&A (15 mins)
The last section allows for classes and students to ask further questions to clarify any of the points covered or to deepen knowledge of other areas of the coral ecosystem.
Speakers
Jamie Buchanan-Dunlop
Executive Director, Encounter Edu
Dr Mark J.A. Vermeij
Scientific Director, CARMABI
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Human activity and the coral ecosystem
This lesson examines the relationship between humans and the coral reef using the island of Curacao in the southern Caribbean as a case study. This lesson is aimed at GCSE (ages 14-16) students, with older students also able to benefit if they cannot access the later lesson. The live lesson will cover the value of coral reef ecosystems to humans and the planet, as well as the threats that human activity poses to the reef. This is the second of three lessons on the coral ecosystem for advanced students
Curriculum links
Human activity and its impact on coral reef ecosystems
- The value of coral reef ecosystems to humans and the planet
- Human induced threats and their impacts to the coral reef ecosystem to include: climate change, major drainage basin schemes, onshore developments, desalinisation, pollution, tourism, fishing
Preparation
If this will be the first time that you have taken part in an Encounter Edu live lesson, have a look at the resources in the guidance hub, where you will find technical and educational support.
This live lesson is suited to all students studying human impact on ecosystems, and will be of particular relevance to those studying coral ecosystems at GCSE.
The lesson assumes no prior knowledge of corals, but students may find it useful to have covered some aspects of the learning. Lesson 4 and Lesson 5 of the Coral Oceans Geography | Ages 14-16 unit or Lesson 2 and Lesson 3 from the Coral Oceans Science | Ages 14-16 unit can help with preparation and revision.
Questions generated by your class can be submitted via the Encounter Live tab in your Encounter Edu profile.
Session steps
1. Introduction (5 mins)
The live lesson will open with a welcome to Coral Live and the base for the live event, the CARMABI research station in the southern Caribbean. The host will give any shout outs to participating schools and students.
2. Meet Mark (5 mins)
The live lesson will be delivered by Mark Vermeij, Science Director at CARMABI, who has been studying the reefs of Curacao for decades.
3. Ecosystem goods and services (10 mins)
Coral reefs benefit the planet and people hugely. They are worth an estimated $9.8 trillion per year, support 25 percent of all marine species and provide livelihoods to hundreds of millions around the world. Mark will explain the importance of coral reefs in general and Curacao as a case study.
4. Human threats to the reef (10 mins)
Mark will then discuss human threats to the reef, describing both local threats such as water quality, coastal development, and tourism, as well as wider threats such as ocean warming and tropical storms.
5. Q&A (15 mins)
The last section allows for classes and students to ask further questions to clarify any of the points covered or to deepen knowledge of other areas of the coral ecosystem.
Speakers
Jamie Buchanan-Dunlop
Executive Director, Encounter Edu
Dr Mark J.A. Vermeij
Scientific Director, CARMABI
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