Make a Map of the Florida Reef System

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Rationale/Objectives/Purpose:

To understand the structures and ecological factors that work together to make up a reef system.

Time Required:

• 1 class period (40 to 50 minutes)

Safety Issues:

None

Materials:

• large pieces of white paper or newsprint
• crayons, markers or colored pencils
• black/blue outlining markers
• copy of Seakeys Habitat Guide of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

Procedures:

1. Make a transparency of the Florida Key National Marine Sanctuary map
2. Divide the students into 6 groups and have each group take paper and trace over their area, coloring the area in completely. (You may have more than one area of the same color.)
3. Have students paste their shapes onto a large white piece of paper, starting with the largest area and getting smaller.
4. Use the diagram at the bottom of the page to discuss how each community has an impact on the coral reefs.

Assessment:

Ask each group to describe how their area impacts the coral reef system.

Extensions:

Use this site as a source for research and discussion regarding threats to coral reefs and their possible effect on Florida reefs.
Coral.org

Internet Links:

Check out our links page.

Background:

Students should be familiar with the phylum Cnidaria, especially the body structure of corals.

Key Words:

coral, reefs, patch reef, barrier reef, polyp, medusa