Changing Planet: Coral Reefs

Notes from our reviewers

The CLEAN collection is hand-picked and rigorously reviewed for scientific accuracy and classroom effectiveness. Read what our review team had to say about this resource below or learn more about how CLEAN reviews teaching materials.

• Teaching Tips
  Video can stand alone or can be used with one of the activities suggested in the pedagogy section below. This video is available on the [http://www.windows2universe.org/] and the [http://www.nbclearn.com/changingplanet] websites. There is a transcript for the video at the latter website.
• About the Science
  Video discusses coral bleaching, which is caused by warming ocean temperatures and ocean acidification. The focus is on the biology of corals and how researchers study the complex ecosystems of coral reefs. Comments from expert scientist: This video is very well done, with up-to-date research featured. The interviews with scientists are a highlight.
• About the Pedagogy
  The video covers most aspects of the structure and function of coral reef with strong visuals, animations, interviews, and narration. The video can be used to introduce a unit on coral reefs. There is an accompanying lesson plan at: [http://www.windows2universe.org/teacher_resources/fading_corals.html] Also see an EarthLabs module on corals that can complement this resource: [http://serc.carleton.edu/earthlabs/corals/activities.html]
• Technical Details/Ease of Use
  This is a broadcast-quality video that has sufficient resolution for classroom projection. Downloading and ad-free access is available for Windows to the Universe subscribers.