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In this lesson, students will learn about coral reefs by creating a classroom mural. Use this lesson as a springboard for the study of the coral reef as a dynamic ecosystem. As students learn new concepts about this ecosystem, they can refer to the “reef” they have created together as a visual aid to guide them in understanding the natural processes in the coral reef. Later, student-created fact sheets or reports can be added to the reef display.
Duplicate the reverse side of this sheet and distribute on copy to each student.
Awareness and understanding of the diversity of species in the coral reef, their habitat and adaptations.
Earth Science — oceanography; ecology.
- Foohy® colored pencils, markers, drawing paper, mural paper, scissors, glue or other paper adhesive, scientific reference materials (textbooks, encyclopedia, internet).
- Note: Foohy® Metallic Colored Pencils or Metallic Markers can offer a brilliant alternative to other coloring products, for underwater effects.
- Make connections between visual arts and other disciplines.
- Understand populations, ecosystem, diversity and adaptations of organisms.
Describe the ways in which the principles and subject matter of other disciplines taught in the school are interrelated with the visual arts.
In this section, have students conduct research to find and then color code the locations of coral reefs around the world. They may also color code important designations, like reefs that are endangered by sedimentation, overfishing and pollution.
Explain to students that they will be creating a classroom mural as an introduction to studying coral reefs. Each student should research and choose a reef creature (e.g., queen angelfish, anemone, octopus) to draw, cut out and adhere to the class mural.You may want to use blue mural paper as a background for the students’ drawings. When students are drawing their reef creatures, particular attention should be paid to color, symmetry and proportion. Students can employ techniques such as shading and perspective to create a three-dimensional illusion in their class mural.
Finally, students should present their reef subject to the class and be prepared to report a few facts about it.
In addition to science textbooks, periodicals and encyclopedias, students will find the following resources helpful:
- Stafford-Deitsch, Jeremy. Reef: A Safari Through The Coral
World. Sierra Club Books, 1991.
- Snyderman, Marty. Life In The Sea.
- Eyewitness Encyclopedia of Nature 2.0, Dorling Kindersley. 1997.
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