Understanding Statement: The Great Barrier Reef is a complex and diverse ecosystem.

Introduction: Can you imagine a rainforest, with all the different animals, reptiles, birds, insects, and plants? Could you believe that there is a place on earth that is just like a rain forest, with its different types of animals and plants, but underwater?  But wait, what is a coral reef? What kinds of animals, and plants live in this reef? How is this reef an example of an ecosystem? This Treasure Hunt will help you understand the relationships among the plants, and animals living within the Great Barrier Reef. Complete the following questions below using the websites provided. After the questions are completed, then complete the "Putting It All Together" section so you are ready to discuss your findings, along with what else you have learned about this complex and diverse underwater ecosystem with the rest of the class.

Questions:

1) What is a coral reef? Describe characteristics of a typical coral reef and the Great Barrier Reef (What is made of, where it is found, interesting facts, etc.) *there are two different links here, use both!*

2) Describe the process of how a coral reef forms.

3) Since we have learned that coral itself is a living creature, lets examine the different types of coral. Study these links: Types of Coral & Elkhorn Coral. Then use these links to identify the types of coral in the following pictures.
Picture One   Picture Two 

4) Name and describe several important features of a coral reef.

5) Name at least four threats to coral reefs? Explain how and why these are threats to coral reefs. ( there are two different links here, use both!)

6) What would happen if coral reefs began to die because of these threats?

7) What can people do to help protect the coral reefs?

8) About how many different forms of wild life call the Great Barrier Reef home? List at least three forms of wildlife (plants, animals, algae, etc.) that inhabit or use the coral reef. Explain the role they play in the Great Barrier Reef.  (use these three links, however previous links may be useful too!)

9) If any form of wildlife was to become endangered or become extinct what would happen to the Great Barrier Reef. (use the links in question eight if needed)

10) Write down any questions that may have come up during your Treasure Hunt. Or questions you would like to bring up during our class discussion.

Putting It All Together:

Now that we have learned just how diverse and complex the Great Barrier Reef is, you get to design your own reef! In your science notebook, using colored pencils, crayons, etc., draw your own coral reef. Include different types of coral, plants, and wildlife. (Use previous links if needed) After drawing your picture, write a paragraph explaining the relationship between the coral, plants, and wildlife you drew.