What’s Killing the Coral? A WebQuest for 6-8th Grade (Science)
Designed by Loris Chen (lchen@wyckoffschools.org)

Sea Fan with Red Band Disease

Introduction
Task
Process
Evaluation
Conclusion
Credits

Introduction

You are part of a team of specialists whose mission is to determine what is causing an increase in diseases and death among reef-building corals. Your team has been invited to make a presentation at an international conference where other teams will be competing for project funding.  Will your presentation earn your project funding? 

The Task

Since the 1980’s, diseases of reef-building corals have been increasing and are causing widespread death of important species of stony corals.  Some of the diseases may be related to biological agents such as bacteria, fungi, and protozoans.  Other coral diseases may be a response to changes in abiotic factors such as changes in sea temperature, ultraviolet radiation levels, and sedimentation.  Could the biological factors actually be aided by changes in abiotic conditions?  Can a change in human activity slow down the loss of the world’s coral reefs? That’s what your team of scientist would like to know.

Your task is to:

1. find out what is causing the death of reef-building corals
2. investigate methods for reversing the trend
3. present a proposal that will increase and sustain coral reef populations so that they do not become threatened, endangered, or extinct

Your presentation must include graphics and visual organizers.  Presentations may be in the form of PowerPoint or overhead projector transparencies.
   

The Process

Your team will:

1. research the biology and diseases of reef-building corals
2. research the geographic distribution of coral reef species
3. research the human dependence on coral reef habitats
4. research sustainable management of coral reefs
5. develop a plan to study the effect of one method of reversing coral reef loss
6. create a presentation to secure funding for your study

Divide the tasks 1 though 4 among your group members so that each person has one research task.   Work together to complete tasks 5 and 6.

Task 1. The Biology and Diseases of Reef-Building Corals

The Question:  Why are the populations of reef-building corals so sensitive to diseases?

What diseases threaten reef-building corals? What causes each disease? Use the Diseases essay at NOAA to answer these questions. Does coral biology make them susceptible to diseases?  Explore the biology of reef-building corals at NOAA. 

Task 2. Geographic Distribution of Reef-Building Corals

The Question:  Where are coral reefs found?

To find the geographic distribution use the map at ReefRelief to display reef locations.  Use the information at this site to explain how geography may be affecting the survival of coral species.  What threats are affecting specific reef systems?
 

Task 3. Human dependence on Reef-Building Corals

The Question:  Why are coral reefs important to humans?

Humans may not eat coral, but humans depend on coral reefs.  Find out why they are so important to humans at NOAA.

Task 4. Sustainable Management Methods

The Question:  What are some possible sustainable management methods?

Managing and sustaining global reefs may require many strategies. What are the hazards to coral reefs?  Find out what is being done to mitigate coral reef loss.  Choose one method as the focus of your research project design.

Task 5. The Plan

Since you are a team of research scientists, your plan will need the following parts:

1. Research question- State in question that your research project will answer.
2. Background information- Provide information that someone would need to know in order to understand your plan.  Be sure to cite sources of information.  This the place to put information about coral reef biology, geographic distribution, human dependence on coral reefs, and sustainable management methods. 
3. Hypothesis- A statement that describes the expected outcome of your project
4. Materials-  What you will need to conduct your research or implement your project and why these are essential
5. Procedure- List the steps you would take to conduct your research
6. Why your team thinks the plan will work- Link this to coral reef survival and sustainability.  Show a cause and effect relationship.

Task 6. The Presentation

Now it's time to sell your plan.  There's only so much money to go around.  Will your presentation convince the foundation to fund your plan?  Your presentation should include all the elements of your team's plan. Use visual aids. These might include maps, pictures, charts, tables, and/or an outline of key points. The presentation may be done use a computer-based presentation program or overhead transparencies. 

Each person should be responsible for presenting at least one part of the plan.

Evaluation

Your score for this project will be 40% based on your individual research notes and 60% based on the group's plan and presentation.

Conclusion

Conservation of  coral reefs is complicated by direct human activity and indirect effects on the global climate.  Sustainability is the concept that current needs may be met without sacrificing the ability of future generations to meet their needs.  What human needs or wants are met by the sustaining coral reefs?  What where some of the economic considerations that you needed to understand?  What where some of the cultural considerations that you needed to understand?  What actions can you personally take to save the coral reefs?  What actions could your class take to save coral reefs?
 
 The United States is involved in coral reef preservation through the United States Geological Survey, NOAA, and the EPA.  Many universities are engaged in reef research.  Private organizations include ReefRelief.

Credits & References

 Sea Fan picture from http://www.coris.noaa.gov, NOAA. 

Based on a template from The WebQuest Page