Lesson Plan

• Describe the global distribution of coral reefs and their latitudinal limits.
• Explain the key environmental conditions required for reef development.
• Analyse the major natural and anthropogenic threats to coral reefs.
• Evaluate a range of management and conservation strategies for protecting reefs.

• Projector and screen
• PowerPoint slides with maps and diagrams
• World map or digital globe
• Handout of reef distribution tables
• Worksheet with case‑study scenarios
• Markers and whiteboard
• Internet access for short video clip

Show a striking underwater video of a coral reef to capture interest. Ask students what they already know about marine ecosystems and why reefs are important. Explain that today they will explore where reefs occur, what they need to thrive, the threats they face, and how we can manage them. Success will be measured by their ability to describe, analyse and evaluate the content.

1. Do‑now (5'): Quick quiz on marine habitats to activate prior knowledge.
2. Mini‑lecture with slides (10'): Global distribution of reefs and latitudinal limits.
3. Interactive map activity (10'): Students plot reef regions on a world map and discuss patterns.
4. Group analysis (15'): Examine the six environmental conditions; each group creates a poster explaining one condition.
5. Threats brainstorm (10'): Whole‑class discussion of climate‑change and local impacts, linking to the source tables.
6. Management role‑play (15'): Groups adopt stakeholder roles (government, fishers, tourists) to design a conservation plan using MPAs, ICZM, restoration, etc.
7. Formative check (5'): Exit ticket – one key fact and one management idea they will remember.

Recap the main points: where reefs are found, the conditions they need, major threats, and how management can mitigate those threats. Students complete an exit ticket summarising one threat and a matching management response. For homework, they answer a short set of revision questions and begin a mind‑map for the upcoming exam.