Download Attachment 1

Coral Reef Topography Lesson Plan
***Coral Reef Topography Teacher’s Manual and Coral Reef Topography Worksheet
also attached for additional details***
Author(s):
Author Affiliation and Location
Author Contact
Summary of Lesson Plan
List of Standards Addressed
Learning Objectives (what
students will be able to do)
Appropriate Grade Levels
Group Size
Setting
Approximate Time of Lesson
Resources Needed for Students
Kitrea (Pacifica) Takata-Glushkoff
Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Maine
University of California Berkeley Gump Research Station, Moorea, French Polynesia
[email protected]
Coral reefs are incredibly complex structures that support rich benthic biodiversity.
Scientists can use geometric measurements to characterize the complex seafloor
topography that coral structures create. Researchers from the Duke University
Marine Lab study how the complex topography of corals affects hydrodynamic
flow. In this low-resource, hands-on lesson, students replicate such research. They
analyze the volumes and surface areas of “corals” within a makeshift “coral reef
aquarium.” This aquarium is simply a box filled with objects of assorted shape and
size. Through calculations and classroom discussion students understand that coral
structures affect water flow, and are crucial for many ocean species, while applying
relevant mathematical concepts.
Common Core Mathematics
 7.G.6 (Solve real-life and mathematical problems involving angle measure,
area, surface area, and volume)
 7.RP (Analyze proportional relationships and sue them to solve real-world
and mathematical problems)
 8.G.9 (Solve real-world and mathematical problems involving volume of
cylinders, cons, and spheres)
 G-GMD (Explain volume formulas and use them to solve problems)
 G-MG (Apply geometric concepts in modeling situations)
NC Essential Science
 6.L.2.3 (Summarize how the abiotic factors (water) of biomes affect the
ability of organisms to grow, survive, and/or create their own food)
 8.E.1.2 (Marine Ecosystems)
Next Gen
 5- ESS2 (Earth Materials and Systems)
 MS-LS2.C (Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning, and Resilience)
 Apply geometric calculations to a real-world model
 Practice visual estimation
 Predict water flow movement around structures
 Calculate percentages
 Categorize items on specific characteristics
 Understand and apply the terms, “porosity,” and “percent cover”
 Evaluate calculation processes
Grades 7 – 10
Recommended for groups of 2–3 students, depending on the availability of
materials
Indoors or outdoors
90+ minutes (percent cover [Section #5 and table 3] can be omitted, if time is
limited)
 For each group of 2–3 students:
o One box – a clear plastic/glass aquarium is preferred, but
cardboard is also okay. A larger box (insert box dimensions) will
o
o
Resources Needed for Educators


likely be more exciting for the students.
Recommended 5 – 10 items to put in the box such as
 Different size balls, tissue box, fruits and vegetables of
varying sizes, water bottle, pencil, book, aluminum can, or
different shaped blocks.
1 – 3 measuring tapes (if resources allow, having one measuring
tape per student will speed up the activity)
Printer (for worksheets)
Optional projector (for displaying discussion questions)
Apps/Websites Needed
None
Lesson Activity (step by step
overview of activity)
***Note: See attached Teacher Manual for answers to all worksheet questions,
and further information***
Engage

Split the class into groups of 2–3, so that each group has their own “coral
reef aquarium” (a box filled with objects)
 Prompt the class with the following two questions from worksheet:
What is coral reef topography?
Why should we study coral reef topography?
Explore
 Complete Procedure, as explained in detail on worksheet and teacher’s
manual. Fill in provided data sheet (see other documents) along the way.
1. Collecting Data: Initial volume and surface area measurements of box
and “coral” items.
2. Calculate the porosity
𝑉𝑣
Porosity = 𝑉𝑡 x 100%
3. Discussion: Understanding that coral structure affects species biology
and water flow
4. Classify each individual coral into a “coral species” (table 1)
5. Estimate the percent cover of each species type.
Explain
 Assist class with how to calculate porosity, how to classify into species, and
how to calculate percent cover
Elaborate
 Class discussions over the course of the procedure, as detailed further in
the teacher’s manual

Overall Discussion topics:
1. What is Coral Reef Topography? Why should we study it?
2. Why is it important to know porosity? How do different structures
affect water flow?
3. How does structure affect other living benthic organisms?
4. Reflection discussion
Evaluate: Reflection Discussion
In the reflection discussion, students evaluate the process of calculating porosity
and percent cover. They solidify their understanding of those measurements, while
also developing their own ideas to improve the process.
Final Product/Assessment
Completed Worksheet
Reflection Discussion
Feedback Form for Teachers
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Thank you!