Coral Reefs

Introduction

Coral reefs are diverse underwater ecosystems held together by calcium carbonate structures secreted by corals. Coral reefs are built by colonies of tiny animals found in marine waters that contain few nutrients. Most coral reefs are built from stony corals, which in turn consist of polyps that cluster in groups. The polyps belong to a group of animals known as Cnidaria, which also includes sea anemones and jellyfish. Unlike sea anemones, corals secrete hard carbonate exoskeletons which support and protect the coral polyps. Most reefs grow best in warm, shallow, clear, sunny and agitated waters.

Often called "rainforests of the sea", shallow coral reefs form some of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth. They occupy less than 0.1% of the world's ocean surface, about half the area of France, yet they provide a home for at least 25% of all marine species, including fish, mollusks, worms, crustaceans, echinoderms, sponges, tunicates and other cnidarians. Paradoxically, coral reefs flourish even though they are surrounded by ocean waters that provide few nutrients. They are most commonly found at shallow depths in tropical waters, but deep water and cold water corals also exist on smaller scales in other areas.

Coral reefs deliver ecosystem services to tourism, fisheries and shoreline protection. The annual global economic value of coral reefs is estimated between US$29.8-375 billion. However, coral reefs are fragile ecosystems, partly because they are very sensitive to water temperature. They are under threat from climate change, oceanic acidification, blast fishing, cyanide fishing for aquarium fish, sunscreen use, overuse of reef resources, and harmful land-use practices, including urban and agricultural runoff and water pollution, which can harm reefs by encouraging excess algal growth.

Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coral_reef

Task

Your task will be to investigate the destruction of the world coral reefs and draw your own opinion as to the following questions.

Why are coral reefs important?What are some of the things that damage coral reefs?How can we protect coral reefs?Remember, this is a complex issue. You will be graded on how effectively you support your conclusion, communication with peers, and written communication. Your final activity will be to write an editorial. [Grading Rubric]

Process

Students will work in small groups of 4-6. Each individual member of the group will explore several Web pages. You will become an expert, and your group will count on you to provide a clear and detailed explanation of your portion of the information. As a group, your job will be to:

1. Investigate how much and how fast the coral reefs are being destroyed.

2. Investigate how much time is needed for coral reefs to grow.

3. Investigate how coral reefs affect the ocean/world.

3. Define and analyze the problem from different perspective.

4. Develop a solution.

5. Report your solution to the world.

The destruction of coral reef is a real problem. Your opinion is important, and will give adults and children insights on how to protect them.

Step 1 -Investigate how much time is needed for coral reefs to grow.

Assign each group memeber one of the Web pages below. It is okay if more than one student reads an article. After exploring the Web pages individually, get back in your group and answer the following questions.

1. Are there different types of Corals?

2. Where are coral reefs located?

3. What type of species live near coral reefs?

4. How long does it take for a coral and reef to form?

5. How big do corals and reefs get?

6. What are corals made of?

Resources

Step 2. Investigate how much and how fast the coral reefs are being destroyed.

1. What is the effect of having a dying or dead coral in the ocean?

Resources

Step 3. Investigate how coral reefs affect the ocean/world.

How do coral reefs help the enviornment?

How do humans benefit from coral reefs?

Resources

Step 4. Define and analyze the problem from different perspective.

1. Does sunscreen damage coral reefs?

2. How does Global Warming affect coral reefs?

3. Is fishing a major threat to coral reefs?

4. Does run-off affect coral reefs?

5. Does picking up trash and debris at the beach help maintain coral reefs?

6. How important is coral conservation?

7. What is coral bleaching?

Resources

Step 5. Develop a solution.

What can be done to cure dying coral reefs?

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Evaluation

RUBRIC 43 WRITING TO PERSUADE

Rubric 37: Writing Assignments.
1 = Weak   2 = Moderately Weak   3 = Average   4 = Moderately Strong   5 = Strong
1. The student introduces the topic in a clear, lively, and interesting fashion. 1   2   3   4   5
2. The student expresses a firm opinion, along with supporting reasons, in a single sentence. 1   2   3   4   5
3. The student establishes criteria or standards upon which his/her opinion is based. 1   2   3   4   5
4. The student supports the opinion with identifiable reasons and concrete evidence. 1   2   3   4   5
5. The student takes into account the point of view of the audience being addressed. 1   2   3   4   5
6. The student acknowledges opposing viewpoints and addresses contradictory evidence. 1   2   3   4   5
7. If appropriate, the student proposes one or more solutions to a presented problem. 1   2   3   4   5
8. The student concludes with a restatement of the expressed opinion that encourages either agreement or action from the audience. 1   2   3   4   5
9. The spelling, punctuation, and grammar on the writing assignment are accurate. 1   2   3   4   5
10. The writing assignment is neatly typed or handwritten. 1   2   3   4   5
Additional Comments: ____________________________________________________________
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Total Points/Grade: ____________

Copyright  by Holt, Rinehart and Winston.  All rights reserved.

Retrived from http://go.hrw.com/resources/go_ss/teacher99/rubrics/RUBRIC43.pdf

Conclusion

The conclusion to this project is real. Write a letter to a company whose product or industry is damaging to coral reefs. Please be polite and respectful. The letter should be well written, your letter should contain facts, and also a realistic solution. [Grading Rubric]

David P. Hatfield, CEO, Edgewell Personal Care (Banana Boat Sunscreen). Retrieved from http://edgewell.com/locations/#talk-to-us

Joe Lee, CEO and Chairman. Red Lobster Hospitality LLC. Retrieved from http://www.corporateoffice.com/Red-Lobster.html