The World and Its People

Chapter 26: Australia and New Zealand

Web Activity Lesson Plans

Introduction
In this chapter, students read about Australia, the "Land Down Under." In addition to unusual animals, friendly people, and dangerous crocodiles, the Great Barrier Reef lies off Australia's northeastern coast. Every year thousands of visitors snorkel or scuba dive around the reef to enjoy an underwater view of one of nature's most incredible creations.

Lesson Description
Students will visit a National Geographic Web site feature about the Great Barrier Reef. After answering several questions about the reef, they will create a display on the reef that explains ways it can be protected.

Instructional Objectives

1. The student will be able to describe the Great Barrier Reef.
2. The student will be able to create a display that communicates ways to protect the Great Barrier Reef.

Student Web Activity Answers

1. It is located along the east coast of Queensland, Australia.
2. Coral bleaching occurs when a stressed coral expels the algae living in its outer tissues, which then exposes its limestone skeleton. This is most often caused by abnormally high ocean temperatures.
3. A coral reef grows only about a half inch (1.3 cm) a year.
4. Human activities such as overfishing and coastal development threaten the reef.
5. Students' displays will vary.