Coral Reefs Are Dying. Here's How We Can Save Them.

Videos

Grades9, 10, 11, 12Biology, Earth and Space Sciences

Scientist Reviewed

Provided by Hot Mess

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What it is

This engaging video clearly explains how climate change is bleaching and damaging coral reefs.
The video also takes a look at measures some scientists are taking to try to rejuvenate reef systems.

Teaching tips

Positives

The video engages students by incorporating images, music, and text.
The video includes a variety of scientific vocabulary that could be used as a teaching point.

Additional

Students will need to have an understanding of climate change and greenhouse gases.
There is an advertisement before the video and the video content ends at 5 minutes, 45 seconds.

Differentiation & Implementation

Vocabulary cards and definitions could be created to support the information in the video.
Elementary science teachers could use the video as a hook and a discussion point before using the resource The Secret Life of Corals: A Dominican Republic Adventure to further explore the ideas.
High school biology teachers could use this video as a lesson hook before using the data resources Coral Reefs and Global Warming or Resistance to Coral Bleaching to further explore the impact that climate change has on reefs.
Geography teachers could use this resource whilst exploring how environments change over time.

From the scientist review

A devastating consequence of climate change has been the dying off of coral reefs, which are an invaluable natural resource found across the globe. This PBS video takes a look at how scientists are working to save them. This resource is recommended for teaching.

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At a glance

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Subjects: Biology, Earth and Space Sciences
Format: YouTube Video
Language: English
Location: Earth
Provider: Hot Mess
Authors: Hot Mess
Published: April 27, 2021
Last updated: July 16, 2026
: Reviewed by our climate scientists How we review

Standards alignment · MS-LS1-5. + 13 more

Core

Core Standards legacy

MS-LS1-5.MS-LS1-5. Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how environmental and genetic factors influence the growth of organisms.
MS-LS4-4.MS-LS4-4. Construct an explanation based on evidence that describes how genetic variations of traits in a population increase some individuals’ probability of surviving and reproducing in a specific environment.
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-ESS3-4.HS-ESS3-4. Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems.
HS-ESS3-6.HS-ESS3-6. Use a computational representation to illustrate the relationships among Earth systems and how those relationships are being modified due to human activity.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.2CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.2 Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source.
HS-LS4-D.2.HS-LS4-D.2. Humans depend on the living world for the resources and other benefits provided by biodiversity. But human activity is also having adverse impacts on biodiversity through overpopulation, overexploitation, habitat destruction, pollution, introduction of invasive species, and climate change. Thus sustaining biodiversity so that ecosystem functioning and productivity are maintained is essential to supporting and enhancing life on Earth. Sustaining biodiversity also aids humanity by preserving landscapes of recreational or inspirational value. (secondary to HS-LS2-7), (HS-LS4-6)

Connecticut Climate Education Hub

Connecticut Climate Education Hub Standards legacy

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.2CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.2 Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source.
MS-LS1-5.MS-LS1-5. Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how environmental and genetic factors influence the growth of organisms.
MS-LS4-4.MS-LS4-4. Construct an explanation based on evidence that describes how genetic variations of traits in a population increase some individuals’ probability of surviving and reproducing in a specific environment.
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-LS4-D.2.HS-LS4-D.2. Humans depend on the living world for the resources and other benefits provided by biodiversity. But human activity is also having adverse impacts on biodiversity through overpopulation, overexploitation, habitat destruction, pollution, introduction of invasive species, and climate change. Thus sustaining biodiversity so that ecosystem functioning and productivity are maintained is essential to supporting and enhancing life on Earth. Sustaining biodiversity also aids humanity by preserving landscapes of recreational or inspirational value. (secondary to HS-LS2-7), (HS-LS4-6)
HS-ESS3-4.HS-ESS3-4. Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems.
HS-ESS3-6.HS-ESS3-6. Use a computational representation to illustrate the relationships among Earth systems and how those relationships are being modified due to human activity.

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