Program
Coral Reefs & Turtle Dreams
Dive into one of the ocean’s most vibrant ecosystems as students explore coral reefs and the vital connection between corals and sea turtles. This program introduces coral reefs as living ecosystems, explains how corals survive through mutualistic relationships, and highlights the critical role sea turtles—especially hawksbill turtles—play in maintaining reef health. Students will examine major threats facing coral reefs, including climate change, pollution, and ocean acidification, and learn how protecting coral reefs also protects sea turtles and marine biodiversity.
Program Objectives:
- Identify coral reefs as living ecosystems made of interacting organisms
- Explain what corals are and how reef-building corals survive through mutualistic relationships
- Describe the role of sea turtles as keystone species in coral reef ecosystems
- Analyze major threats to coral reefs, including warming oceans, pollution, and ocean acidification
- Explore how human actions can negatively and positively impact coral reefs and sea turtles
Science Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) Alignment
Grade 6: 6.10B, 6.12E, 6.13B
Grade 7: 7.10A, 7.11A, 7.11C
Grade 8: 8.11A, 8.12A
High School:
Biology 9A – Analyze the interactions between organisms and ecosystems
Biology 12B – Evaluate the effects of human activities on ecosystems
Environmental Systems 4A and 4B – Analyze human impacts on marine and coastal ecosystems and evaluate conservation strategies
Vocabulary:
Coral reef, polyp, zooxanthellae, ecosystem, biodiversity, keystone species, mutualism, coral bleaching, ocean acidification, pollution, conservation
Ready To Book Your Offsite Program
Empower your students with knowledge about climate change and inspire them to be part of the solution for a healthier planet!
Inspire your students to become advocates for sea turtle conservation in their local community
Learn important environmental science concepts
Questions
Contact us today at education@seaturtleinc.org or 956-761-4511 x 102 to schedule your interactive program or to discuss how we can tailor our offerings to best fit your needs. Let’s work together to make a splash and promote a brighter future for our oceans!