Oceans: Coral Reefs

# A Delicate Ecosystem Under Threat

Dive into the vibrant and colourful world of coral reefs. Through immersion and observation, discover how this diverse yet delicate ecosystem is under threat. Coral reefs sustain a diverse community of creatures within their habitats that rely on them for their survival. Students should consider how the decline of coral reefs impacts biodiversity within our oceans.

## Key Learning Outcomes:

1. Describe a coral reef as a habitat
2. Describe how pollution is destroying the reef habitat
3. Explain the impact of reef destruction on biodiversity

## How to Use This Playlist:

This playlist includes a range of resources designed to help your students develop a better understanding of coral reefs as ecosystems, the threat of destruction and the impact on biodiversity.

Here are some suggestions on how to use these resources:

***3D models*** - By observing these 3D models, your students can explore the characteristics of coral as organisms. Students should be introduced to the idea that coral can form habitats that can sustain a range of living things. A turtle is an example of an animal that can be found near coral reefs. What would turtles find here that is useful?

- [Pocillopora Meadrina](https://scene.link/PZH-f7s/pocillopora-meandrina)
- [Coral 3D](https://scene.link/PZH-f7s/3dm-coral-3d)
- [Turtle](https://scene.link/PZH-f7s/3dm-turtle)

***360 Images*** - By observing and analyzing these underwater images, students can explore coral reefs as habitats. From their observations, they should conclude that coral forms a shelter for small fish to live and hide from predators so they can safely find a food source to survive.

- [Amedee Coral Reef New Caledonia](https://scene.link/PZH-f7s/cvr360-amadee-coral-reef-new-caledonia)
- [Coral Reef Fish New Caledonia](https://scene.link/PZH-f7s/cvr360-coral-reef-fish-new-caledonia)
- [Colorful fish and coral reef. Under the sea, marine life](https://scene.link/PZH-f7s/cvr360-colorful-fish-and-coral-reef-under-the-sea-marine-life)
- [Tropical fish and coral reefs. Underwater world](https://scene.link/PZH-f7s/cvr360-tropical-fish-and-coral-reefs-underwater-world)

***360 Video*** - Your students can immerse themselves in these underwater videos to deepen their understanding and appreciation of coral reefs as ecosystems. Ask your students to consider how the reef could be damaged and what impact this may have.

- [Fish and Coral](https://edvr.se/Gol-VnL-sKF/360v-fish-and-coral)
- [Great Barrier Reef Sea Turtles](https://edvr.se/Gol-VnL-sKF/360v-great-barrier-reef-sea-turtles)

***The Coral Reef Explorable Scene*** - In this virtual aquarium, your students can consolidate and deepen their understanding of coral reefs as ecosystems. Exploring this scene, students can observe the transition between healthy coral and damaged coral. Students should consider how pollutants, like carbon dioxide can be a leading cause in the destruction of coral reefs and how this leads to a decline in biodiversity.

- [The Coral Reef](https://edvr.se/DBc-Slj-PRB/the-coral-reef)