Let's create continuous conversations about climate change education: Spreading the Sediment of Science!
Glowing for Attention
Provided by: UCI Science Project; NOAA; The Ocean Agency
Activates Student AgencyLesson Plans Grades k-2
Synopsis
In this multi-day lesson, students will learn about corals, see why they fluoresce, learn about ocean acidification and pollution, and find out how they can help improve coral health. The lesson includes an animated story for students to read, a hands-on model of coral that students make with clay, and a list of actions students can take to protect coral reefs.
Share: This lesson plan is licensed under Creative Commons.
Subjects: SCI, ELA
Authors: UCI Science Project
Region: Global
Key Focus Areas
Core Component 1: Investigating Climate Change Through Hands-On Experiences
Students read about coral reef organisms and then create their own “pet coral” using clay to represent their coral and the symbiotic relationship between corals and zooxanthellae.
Core Component 2: Student-Centered Projects and Action Plans
After learning about the corals, zooxanthellae, and parrot fish, students learn about the changes occurring in the oceans due to human activities. They are challenged to think about how they can act in the best interest of corals and the environment when faced with various choices and situations.
Core Component 3: Emotional Support and Empathy Building
The picture book in the presentation personifies the corals and other marine creatures, which helps students empathize with them as they describe how they’re feeling. They also see how making different choices can positively affect marine life and coral reefs. The tips for guided discussions found in the Google Slides will help teachers engage with their students to support their emotions as well.
This lesson also leans into the ideas of:
Details
- The lesson introduces biodiversity and the importance of coral reefs for marine ecosystems, which can connect to many other lessons about habitats and wildlife.
- By making their pet corals, students will have the opportunity to showcase their creativity and use their hands, while having a keepsake to help them continue to make green choices.
- Depending on students' reading level or experience, some of the terms in “Not for me, please! I choose to act green” may be unfamiliar to them; teachers can pre-teach these terms or read the story out loud to the class and define words as they go.
- Teachers can decide to do the egg in vinegar demonstration in class or watch the video instead.
- These resources have been carefully selected and reviewed by ECCLPs. Please note that they have not undergone SubjectToClimate's independent review process.
Teaching Tips
Standards
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