Resource Detail: Science Object

	Coral Reef Ecosystems: The Living Reef
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Details

Type of Resource:	Science Object
Average Rating:	based on 7 - 33 / 4.71428571428571 reviews
Publication Title:	Coral Reef Ecosystems
Publication Date:	11/1/2006
Grade Level:	Elementary School, Middle School, High School

Description

Science Objects are two hour on-line interactive inquiry-based content modules that help teachers better understand the science content they teach. This Science Object is the first of four Science Objects in the Coral Reef Ecosystems SciPack. It explores the unique and diverse ecosystem of the coral reef. Coral reefs are very complex systems that create one of the largest structures on Earth of biological origins. Thousands of coral species exist in oceans worldwide. Reef-building corals remain on the same spot of the sea floor through their entire lives and have developed reproductive, feeding, and social behaviors suited to their situation. As they grow, reefs provide structural habitats for hundreds to thousands of different organisms.

Ideas For Use

Science Objects are two hour learning experiences teachers can use to enhance their understanding of a particular scientific concept. Teachers can access any topic “on demand” from the Internet. Topics are based on the science literacy goals in the national standards (NSES, Science for All Americans, Benchmarks, and the Atlas of Scientific Literacy) and tied to state standards.

Each Science Object provides an understanding of the science content by providing a structured set of learning experiences through simulations and practice assessments. Science Objects challenge teachers to explore and explain real world phenomena and are founded on the principle that learners must be challenged with a problem, observation, data, etc., in order to develop scientific understanding. Science Objects utilize the five phases of inquiry-based learning: Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate.

Learning Outcomes:

Coral Reef Ecosystems: The Living Reef

Identify coral polyp structures and describe their functions.
Describe photosynthesis in the coral environment.
Describe the evolution of a typical reef system.
Use the shape of an individual coral to identify its common name, and classify entire coral reef ecosystems based on shape and location.
Describe the process of coral polyp reproduction and growth.
Identify how the features and/or behavioral strategies of coral reef inhabitants enable them to survive in coral reef environments.

Discussions

Additional Info

Science Discipline: (mouse over for full classification)	Populations
Intended User Role:	Elementary-Level Educator, High-School Educator, Middle-Level Educator, Teacher
Educational Issues:	Teacher content knowledge

Technical

Resource Format:	application/x-shockwave-flash, audio/mp3, image/gif, image/jpeg, text/html, video/quicktime
Installation Remarks:	Run the Science Objects System Check to ensure that your system is capable of viewing the simulations: http://ecommerce2.nsta.org/system_check/
Requirements:	Requires Macromedia Flash Player and Apple Quicktime Player

National Standards Correlation

This resource has 9 correlations with the National Standards.
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This resource has 9 correlations with the National Standards.
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Life Science
- Populations and ecosystems
  - Populations of organisms can be categorized by the function they serve in an ecosystem. (5-8)
  - For ecosystems, the major source of energy is sunlight. (5-8)
  - Energy entering ecosystems as sunlight is transferred by producers into chemical energy through photosynthesis. (5-8)
  - The number of organisms an ecosystem can support depends on the resources available and abiotic factors, such as quantity of light and water, range of temperatures, and soil composition.
  - Healthy ecosystems ensure a healthy biosphere by regulating the flow of energy and the cycling of nutrients.
  - Lack of resources and other factors, such as predation and climate, limit the growth of populations in specific niches in the ecosystem. (5-8)

Process Standards for Professional Development
- Research-Based
  - Address teachers' needs as learners and build on their current knowledge of science content, teaching, and learning. (NSES)
- Design
  - Introduce teachers to scientific literature, media, and technological resources that expand their science knowledge and their ability to access further knowledge. (NSES)
- Learning
  - Build on the teacher's current science understanding, ability, and attitudes. (NSES)

State Standards Correlation

Use the form below to view which of your state standards this resource addresses.

User Reviews

	Coral Ecosystems: The Living Reef
	James Arimond (Sarasota, FL) on November 12, 2011
	This lesson teaches the habitat, reproduction, growth, and forms of corals. The Living Reef is a good introduction to organisms called coral.

	Very Informative
	Adelea on November 1, 2012
	I enjoyed this Sci-pack. It was easy to follow with much information and it helped me in my understanding of coral reefs.

	Very exciting resource to help build content know
	Terri (rockledge, FL) on September 6, 2011
	I really liked this SciObject. I did not really understand what they offered and the ease of learning new content they offered. This module is on the Coral Reef Ecosystems. I felt the integration of voice, interactive images, multiple pictures and shorter, easy to read paragraphs broke the concepts of the Coral Reef into manageable learning. I also find the common misconceptions by students valuable..although I don't know if I agree with all of them. At the end it offers a linked scipack..which is interesting because now the interactives can be opened up for use in the classroom and a subject matter expert is available by email!!!

	Review on the living Reef
	Ronaldo Relador (Bowie, MD) on February 29, 2012
	This focus on life in the reef is very powerful instructional material to provide evidences on the importance of marine ecosystem and their balance in existence and dependence on abiotic factors too.

	The Basics about Coral Reefs
	Adah (San Antonio, TX) on October 19, 2010
	This Science Object is an excellent introduction the basics about coral reefs life. This Science Object covers information about types of corals and types of coral reefs. It includes information about coral anatomy, coral photosynthesis, coral reproduction and about reef building. Assorted photos are provided to enhance the text. There are several locations where you can check for understanding by answering questions which can be checked for correctness. There is an opportunity to have the information read to you as well as a glossary to reinforce vocabulary. This is a great source of general introductory information about a coral reef that would provide a strong background foundation for either an educators or a student to learn on their own.

	Solid basics, but lacking in some detail
	David K on January 15, 2011
	This science object provides solid introductory information on a variety of topics using coral reefs as the overall subject. In addition to the structure of coral and the formation and evolution of coral reefs, the topics of photosynthesis, symbiosis, predator/prey relationships, and strategies for prey to evade predators are presented. I like the use of the coral topic to integrate many ecology and classification topics, but there is not much detail beyond a basic presentation. There is an interactive for placing different organisms into their proper place on a coral reef that could be useful as a class activity.

	Self taught interactive lesson on reef ecosys.
	Marilyn (Trujillo Alto, PR) on August 28, 2011
	The pacing, inclusion of pictures, periodic self assessment quizes make this a good lesson. Students in a differentiated classroom could easily use this tutorial in the classroom or at home to cover the topic on reef growth, types, organisms, etc. There was some disappointment when the video on synchronous reproduction didn't work and I wish there had been a table of contents that was checked off as one proceeded through the supposed 8 pages. Each of the 6 sections had many pages so you never knew how much more remained - pacing in a classroom might be a problem. The scipak was in a well planned format with misunderstandings periodically highlighted.

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