Operation Reef Rescue!

A Coral Reef WebQuest

Introduction:

NEWSFLASH!!! Titanic Asteroid Approaching Earth's Polar Ice Cap! Scientists predict that the subsequent melting ice cap will destroy the ecological balance of the oceans, resulting in the eradication of the coral reef communities. In order to prevent the extinction of this essential biome, the government has recruited teams of specialists to respond to the crisis…

• Marine Biologists
• Marine Botanists
• Coral Research Divers
• Marine Environmentalists

Task:

Each specialist will conduct research based on his/her area of expertise. Teams will be formed consisting of one specialist from each area. Each team will then design and create a visual coral reef community which can be relocated to ensure its survival. Each team will conclude with an oral presentation to the rest of the teams, describing and justifying their project.

General Resources:

Begin your research by visiting theses sites:

Fisheye View Cam Home Page - to meet the corals in their own environment

Coral Reefs - information about reef animals, threats and locations

Coral Reef Fishes - meet the most active creatures dwelling in the reefs

Procedures:

If you are a MARINE BIOLOGIST, click here.

If you are a MARINE BOTANIST, click here.

If you are a CORAL RESEARCH DIVER, click here.

If you are an MARINE ENVIRONMENTALIST, click here.

Evaluation:

Do you have all the parts of your mission completed? Fill in the circle as you complete each task.

Your Journal

• Did you date all your entries?
• Did you log in every web site you visited?
• Did you take notes on your research?
• Did you record meetings with your team?

Your Folder or Notebook

• Did you arrange the following materials: pictures, articles from magazines, printouts, etc.?

Your Project

• Did you share your information with your team?
• Has your team reached an agreement on the format of your project?
• Has your team worked together to prepare and complete the oral presentation?

Conclusion:

Now that you have discovered the importance of the Coral Reefs, find out what you can do to protect them.

Teacher Notes:

This activity requires students to have some prior background knowledge of the coral reef community.

Other resources such as video and multimedia may be utilized in the student presentations.

Extension activities may include:

• Creative writing assignments (letter writing, poetry)
• Correspondence with scientists through e-mail
• Creation of public service announcement using video equipment

Primary Content Areas: Science, English/Language Arts

Curriculum Connections: Social Studies, Math, Geography