Coral Oceans KS2: Human impact on the reef

Students will consider the various impacts humans have had on the coral reef ecosystem, both positive and negative. These impacts range from long-term environmental changes caused by increased atmospheric carbon dioxide, to changes in land use in coastal areas and the impact of fertilisers on the ecosystem balance.

This is a single lesson from the unit Coral Oceans 7-11. This science-based unit uses the stunning imagery and 360 media from the XL Catlin Seaview Survey and covers several of the main concepts for students studying living things at upper elementary level.

The unit can be used as a standalone primer for students, using a new and exciting context of corals, clownfish and sharks, or as a comparative study to the local environment.

Students work through a series of connected lessons to develop their understanding of:

• habitats and how they provide the basic needs of plants and animals
• identification, classification and the use of keys
• life cycles, anatomy and sexual reproduction
• how animals obtain their food using the idea of food chains
• how animals and plants are adapted to their environment
• human impact on the environment

Access the full unit’s resources here: https://encounteredu.com/teachers/units/coral-oceans-science-7-11