Build a Coral Polyp

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In this activity, learners build one or more edible coral polyps and place them together to form a colony. Learners will review the differences between plants and animals, learn about the unique symbiotic relationship between corals and zooxanthellae, and discuss human impact on coral reefs. This detailed lesson guide includes key vocabulary, background information for educators, and wrap-up suggestions.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
30 to 45 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$10 - $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 11
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan, Model
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • paper towels/rag for clean-up
  • plates
  • toothpicks
  • plastic straws
  • sections of large bananas
  • sour candy straws or twizzlers cut into 1 inch pieces
  • sugar sprinkles (same color as the sour candy straws or twizzlers)
  • jam
  • round crackers
  • oyster crackers
  • transparency of coral polyp illustration
  • coral polyp worksheets
  • colored pencils, crayons, or markers

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Earth Processes
      • Weather and Climate
    • Earth Structure
      • Oceans and Water
  • Life Sciences
    • Diversity of Life
      • Plants
      • Animals
      • Classification
    • Ecology
      • Ecosystems
      • Populations
      • Human Impact
  • The Nature of Science
    • Science and Society
      • Risks and Benefits
  • The Nature of Technology
    • Technology and Society
      • Technology and the Environment

Informal Categories

  • Animals
  • Food and Cooking
  • Model Building
  • Nature and Environment

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • read
  • taste
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Uses STEM to solve real-world problems
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, California Academy of Sciences, 2008