ELA Lesson: Protecting Lahaina’s Coral Reefs
Lesson Plan
1 hour 20 minutesGrades9, 10, 11, 12English Language Arts
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Written by Emily Pepitone
About this lesson
Students explore the wonder and importance of Lahaina's coral reefs, analyzing the environmental threats they face and considering solutions through reading and video analysis. Students use their writing skills to advocate for measures to protect Lahaina’s coral reefs.
Inquire: Students observe coral reefs and share their prior knowledge about coral reefs.
Investigate: Students read and listen to a variety of sources to learn about threats facing coral reefs and possible solutions.
Inspire: Students write a persuasive letter calling for action to a local government official.
Preview the lesson plan
Better on a bigger screen? Open it in its own tab.View Lesson Plan
Everything you need to teach it
How to edit these materials (video)Teaching tips
Suggestions
- This lesson aligns with Hawai’i’s Nā Hopena A‘o HĀ-BREATH Framework.
- This lesson could be taught in an English class as part of a persuasive writing unit.
- This lesson could be taught in a biology or environmental science class as part of a unit on human impacts or biodiversity.
- This is a great opportunity for students to visit Kipuka Olowalu.
- If being taught in shorter class periods, the Inquire and Investigate sections could be completed on the first day and the Inspire section on the next day.
- This lesson could be used to teach students how to write a business-formatted letter using a professional tone and language appropriate for the task and audience.
Prerequisites
- This is lesson 3 of 5 in our 9th-12th grade ELA Unit: Climate Change Impacts in Lahaina.
- Some students may be sensitive to the content in this lesson based on their experiences with Lahaina, especially the effects of the coastal wildfires on the coral reefs.
- Some of the jigsaw options are videos, and students should ideally have headphones for listening in the classroom.
- Students should be familiar with writing a letter in a business-style format or have options for templates.
Differentiation
- The jigsaw activities include articles and videos, so teachers can control the amount of reading each student completes during the lesson.
- The jigsaw activities include resources about Lahaina and coral reefs in general. Teacher can assign students to resources about issues that are familiar to them, allowing prior knowledge to aid them in completing the readings.
- For extension, students can review the purchase of lands in Ma‘alea by reading this article and discussing how the county might better maintain the area.
From the scientist review
Students explore the effects of human activity on Lahaina's coral reefs and the marine environment. They also take the lead in conservation efforts to stop the loss of coral reefs. This lesson passed our science credibility procedure after we evaluated it.
Want this to fit your class?
Add your location for local examples, questions, and action ideas.
About the teacher writer
Emily Pepitone
AP Language, 11th Grade English Teacher
Emily Pepitone holds a Master's in education from Moreland University. They have 6 years of experience teaching AP Language, Humanities, Creative Writing, English across grades 7-8-9-10-11-12.
