Coral Oceans

Science | Ages 7-11

  1. 1. Coral explorer
  2. 2. Reef builders
  3. 3. Amazing polyps
  4. 4. Coral classification
  5. 5. Coral food chains
  6. 6. Adaptation on the reef
  7. 7. Human impact on the reef
  8. 8. Coral press conference
  9. 9. Coral Live Prep 7-11

Coral explorer

Part of:

AXA Ocean Education

Lesson overview

This lesson introduces students to the wonders of the coral reef and the adventures of the XL Catlin Seaview Survey. In this first lesson, students will embark on their journey to become coral explorers, finding out where coral reefs can be found, and learning from the experiences of scientists and the expedition team. They will then take part in their first virtual dive. This lesson provides the platform for further scientific discovery through the rest of the unit.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the importance of the world’s ocean
  • Locate the world’s coral reefs
  • Identify the environmental conditions needed for tropical coral reefs
  • Use dance (and song) to remember the common dive signs used by scientists
  • Reflect on the wonders of the coral reef

Lesson steps

  1. Setting sail (10 mins)
    Students watch the Setting Sail video and reflect on what it might be like to explore the coral reef.
  2. Our amazing ocean (10 mins)
    Students take an ocean quiz to see how much they know about the world’s ocean and build an understanding of its importance.
  3. Dive signs dance (20 mins)
    Students learn the common dive signs used by scientists to communicate underwater and combine these into a memorable dance (and song).
  4. Virtual dive (10 mins)
    Students apply their knowledge of dive signs to navigate around a virtual dive on one of the most famous dive sites on the Great Barrier Reef.
  5. Dive log (10 mins)
    Students reflect on their experiences of exploring the Great Barrier Reef by completing their dive logs and their first step to becoming a coral explorer.