Changing Planet: Fading Corals

Videos

Grades6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12Biology, Earth and Space Sciences

Scientist Reviewed

Provided by NBC News Learn

Open Resource

What it is

In this 6-minute video, students will learn that carbon dioxide emissions have caused ocean waters to warm and become more acidic, damaging corals in reefs around the world.
As corals disappear, ocean biodiversity decreases, and coastal regions become more susceptible to erosion and storm surge.

Teaching tips

Classroom Implementation:

Use this video to introduce lessons on biodiversity, conservation, or aquatic ecosystems.

Prerequisites:

Though the video presents an overview of the symbiotic relationship between coral and zooxanthellae, consider elaborating on how zooxanthellae are related to coral bleaching.

Extensions:

Students research the types of organisms that live in coral reefs and make a slideshow to show how coral bleaching affects the other organisms that live in coral ecosystems.

Interdisciplinary Connections:

Social Studies
- Discuss the impact that coral reef destruction has on coastal erosion, storm surge protection, tourism, and the fishing industry.

Related Resources:

Other resources on this topic include this interactive video on the factors that contribute to coral bleaching, this lesson on the importance of coral ecosystems, and this activity on resistance to coral bleaching.

From the scientist review

This resource is a 6-minute video exploring the impact of climate change and ocean acidification on coral reefs. It is a highly-produced video with simple graphics and includes several high-quality interviews with scientists studying coral reefs. This resource is recommended for teaching.

How we review resources

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At a glance

Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Subjects: Biology, Earth and Space Sciences
Format: YouTube Video
Language: English
Location: Earth
Provider: NBC News Learn
Authors: NBC News Learn
Published: March 20, 2021
Last updated: July 16, 2026
: Reviewed by our climate scientists How we review

Standards alignment · MS-LS2-4. + 9 more

Core

Core Standards legacy

MS-LS2-4.MS-LS2-4. Construct an argument supported by empirical evidence that changes to physical or biological components of an ecosystem affect populations.
MS-ESS3-5.MS-ESS3-5. Ask questions to clarify evidence of the factors that have caused the rise in global temperatures over the past century.
HS-ESS2-2.HS-ESS2-2. Analyze geoscience data to make the claim that one change to Earth’s surface can create feedbacks that cause changes to other Earth systems.
MS-LS2-A.1.MS-LS2-A.1. Organisms, and populations of organisms, are dependent on their environmental interactions both with other living things and with nonliving factors. (MS-LS2-1)
MS-ESS3-D.MS-ESS3-D. Human activities, such as the release of greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels, are major factors in the current rise in Earth’s mean surface temperature (global warming). Reducing the level of climate change and reducing human vulnerability to whatever climate changes do occur depend on the understanding of climate science, engineering capabilities, and other kinds of knowledge, such as understanding of human behavior and on applying that knowledge wisely in decisions and activities. (MS-ESS3-5)

Connecticut Climate Education Hub

Connecticut Climate Education Hub Standards legacy

MS-LS2-4.MS-LS2-4. Construct an argument supported by empirical evidence that changes to physical or biological components of an ecosystem affect populations.
MS-LS2-A.1.MS-LS2-A.1. Organisms, and populations of organisms, are dependent on their environmental interactions both with other living things and with nonliving factors. (MS-LS2-1)
MS-ESS3-5.MS-ESS3-5. Ask questions to clarify evidence of the factors that have caused the rise in global temperatures over the past century.
MS-ESS3-D.MS-ESS3-D. Human activities, such as the release of greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels, are major factors in the current rise in Earth’s mean surface temperature (global warming). Reducing the level of climate change and reducing human vulnerability to whatever climate changes do occur depend on the understanding of climate science, engineering capabilities, and other kinds of knowledge, such as understanding of human behavior and on applying that knowledge wisely in decisions and activities. (MS-ESS3-5)
HS-ESS2-2.HS-ESS2-2. Analyze geoscience data to make the claim that one change to Earth’s surface can create feedbacks that cause changes to other Earth systems.

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