GCSE 9-1; Ecosystems - types of coral reef and Darwinian theory of atoll formation

In this lesson students are reminded of the location of reefs before being introduced to the conditions that they grow in. They are then given a table to complete about fringing reefs, barrier reefs and atolls. To help them do this there are information cards about each type of reef including photos, diagrams and maps. When they have completed this the answers are on a slide for pupils to check their work. Next they are introduced to a map showing the route of Darwin’s voyage, then the concept of eustatic sea level change and reminded about the conditions needed for coral to grow. Then they are given a diagram of all three reefs and asked to consider how a fringing reef can become a barrier reef and then an atoll (the Darwinian theory of atoll formation). Finally they could also consider that most atolls are formed on volcanic islands and the impact of coral growth on those islands. All resources are included in the PowerPoint.