Survey
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
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 Please email me for your feedback on this lesson plan Thank you!