Coral Reef Restoration Laboratory
Investigate coral bleaching and design restoration solutions for Caribbean reefs
Matter & Energy in Ecosystems
Structure & Properties of Matter
Engineering Design
Advanced Level
Project Overview
Students become marine conservation scientists, investigating the complex relationships within coral reef ecosystems and designing innovative solutions to combat coral bleaching. This project combines marine biology, chemistry, and engineering to address one of the Caribbean's most pressing environmental challenges.
4-5 weeks
2-3 students
Advanced
Learning Objectives
- Understand coral-algae symbiotic relationships and their role in reef ecosystems
- Investigate chemical properties affecting coral health including pH, temperature, and nutrients
- Design artificial reef structures using engineering principles
- Analyze energy flow and nutrient cycling in reef ecosystems
- Communicate conservation strategies to marine biology experts
Week-by-Week Implementation
Week 1: Coral Biology and Ecosystem Study
- • Research coral anatomy and zooxanthellae symbiosis
- • Study Caribbean reef species and their roles
- • Investigate coral bleaching causes and effects
- • Create detailed ecosystem food webs
- • Interview marine biologists (virtual or in-person)
Week 2: Water Chemistry Laboratory
- • Test pH levels and their effects on coral models
- • Investigate temperature stress on coral health
- • Measure nutrient levels and pollution impacts
- • Create controlled experiments with different water conditions
- • Document chemical effects in laboratory notebooks
Week 3: Artificial Reef Design
- • Research existing artificial reef technologies
- • Design reef structures that promote coral growth
- • Build scale models using sustainable materials
- • Test structural stability and water flow
- • Optimize designs based on testing results
Week 4: Ecosystem Modeling
- • Create energy flow diagrams for healthy vs. bleached reefs
- • Model nutrient cycling in reef ecosystems
- • Simulate restoration scenarios and outcomes
- • Analyze cost-benefit of different restoration approaches
- • Develop comprehensive restoration action plan
Week 5: Expert Presentation and Peer Review
- • Prepare scientific reports with data and recommendations
- • Create visual presentations for marine biologists
- • Present findings to expert panel
- • Receive feedback and refine proposals
- • Share results with local conservation organizations
Assessment Strategies
Scientific Report (35%)
Comprehensive research report including literature review, experimental data, and restoration recommendations
Prototype Design (25%)
Artificial reef design with engineering specifications and testing results
Ecosystem Model (20%)
Accurate representation of energy flow and nutrient cycling in reef systems
Expert Presentation (20%)
Clear communication of findings and recommendations to marine biology experts
Required Materials
Laboratory Equipment
- • pH testing kits and strips
- • Digital thermometers
- • Microscopes and slides
- • Measuring cylinders and beakers
- • Nutrient testing kits
Modeling Materials
- • Modeling clay and plasticine
- • Aquarium gravel and sand
- • Clear containers for reef models
- • Artificial coral pieces
- • Food coloring for water testing
Research Resources
- • Access to marine biology databases
- • Caribbean reef field guides
- • Scientific journals on coral bleaching
- • Laboratory notebooks
- • Cameras for documentation
Extension Opportunities
- Partner with local marine conservation groups for field trips
- Create public awareness campaign about coral conservation
- Design underwater monitoring systems for reef health
- Connect with university marine science programs
Caribbean Context
- • Focus on Caribbean coral species and threats
- • Study local reef conservation efforts
- • Investigate tourism impacts on reefs
- • Connect with regional marine parks
- • Address climate change effects on Caribbean waters