Oceans--The Coral Reefs

Our 5th area to study will be the ocean coral reefs.  I asked the class which habitat they would like to study for this 5th non-fiction research and writing and they chose coral reefs!

So far in our Sharing the Planet unit of inquiry, the kids have researched and studied the habitats of the world rainforests, deserts and ponds.  They have learned about mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.  We have also studied food chains and looked at food chains from the habitats we have studied. 

The sub-headings they will research for this writing topic will be:



1)  What are coral reefs?  Describe types of coral.

2)  How do animals use coral reefs to help them survive?

3) Study three animals that live on or near coral reefs.

On-Line Resources To Use

Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coral_reef


Enchanted Learning- Coral Reefs-  Great site for all three subheadings http://www.enchantedlearning.com/biomes/coralreef/coralreef.shtml

3 minute Coral Reef Video--National Geographic
http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/environment/habitats-environment/habitats-oceans-env/coral-reefs/

The Great Barrier Reef--Video
http://adventure.howstuffworks.com/coral-reef-videos-playlist.htm

National Geographic--Animals of the coral reef
http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/coral/

Coral Reef Info Site- Great info on the animals of coral reefs
http://www.coral-reef-info.com/coral-reef-animals.html