What Can We Do for Coral?

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

This series of videos does an excellent job introducing coral bleaching and touches upon the subject of a project that breeds super corals. It also addresses climate solutions and things that everyone can do at home to help combat climate change.

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Notes from our reviewers

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These videos are an effective way to introduce students to many concepts and connections. It is well suited within the context of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) to help students identify and track cross-cutting relationships such as cause and effect, scale, systems, and stability and change. It is especially useful for comparing the roles of genetics and environmental factors in coral health. Teachers teaching DNA, genetics, environmental pollution, or the impacts of climate change in the ocean can all use this series or individual videos from it as an introductory video. It may be a good jumping off point to have students develop their own "super coral" ideas. These videos would pair well with other resources that portray a broader representation of people who interact with and study corals. Three bonus videos totaling 7:35 in length and a still image are included in the series.
This is a good presentation of many issues regarding the health of coral reefs and some exciting new technologies/approaches aimed at preserving them going forward. Concerns are woven into the mostly hopeful message in a way that makes the concepts relevant and accessible. By presenting a positive outlook for students while still conveying the seriousness of the issue of coral bleaching, these videos provide many jumping off points for further discussion into topics such as the life cycles/mutualism of corals and algae, genetic and environmental factors in coral health, and up to date approaches to monitoring and conservation efforts. Focuses are on an experimental approach to breeding "super corals" and succinctly explains the experimental questions and findings so far. Passed initial science review - expert science review pending.
Although there is no teacher's guide provided, this is a great resource for a teacher to use. The videos are visually pleasing and can get students excited about experimental solutions. The videos don't solely focus on all the negativity around dying coral reefs, but they also have a great message for students wanting to get involved.