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Treasures of the Great Barrier Reef

Viewing Ideas

Before Watching

1. Find out what students know about coral and coral reefs. Locate the Great Barrier Reef on a world map. Ask the students if they can identify other locations in the world where coral reefs can be found. As they watch the program, have the students take note of the special geologic and climatic conditions that make it possible for a coral reef to exist.

2. One of the unifying themes in this program is the concept of mutualism, in which two or more species depend on each other to survive in a particular environment. Several examples of mutualistic relationships are presented in this program. Encourage the students to look for these examples as they watch and to pay attention to the ways in which different plants and animals survive by depending on each other.

After Watching

1. Review students' notes about the conditions necessary to allow a coral reef to exist. Which variables seem most important?