The Experts Weigh In – ELABORATE

ACTIVITY OVERVIEW:

Arrange an in person or video-based conversation with a coral reef expert to better understand the life of a coral scientist, the current state of coral reefs, and the work being done to conserve them.

ACTIVITY AUTHORS:

Stephanie Killingsworth ^1,2,3 (view profile)

Dr. Amanda Waite ¹ (view profile)

AUDIENCE:

Middle – High School Students

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

Questions will be determined by teachers and students in order to:

• Acquire expert insight on the current state of coral reefs and the threats they are facing.
• Better understand aspects of coral science that were unclear after completion of prior activities.
• Learn about the latest scientific updates directly from those who study coral reefs.
• Establish a personal connection with an expert scientist, and thus gain a science mentor.

TIMEFRAME:

30 minutes [some advance preparation recommended]

MATERIALS:

• Coral scientist contact (email [email protected] to arrange)
• If a virtual meeting, computer with projector or Smart Board
• If a virtual meeting, internet access for Skype, Zoom, Google Hangouts

ACTIVITY STEPS:

1. Recommended Student Prep: Populate class list of questions from preceding coral activities.
2. Recommended Teacher Prep: Provide scientist a brief description of students’ experience with and knowledge of corals to date. If possible, allow scientist to preview students’ pre-populated questions (preferable curated) so that they are aware of their interests and can cater accordingly.
3. Coral scientist begins by introducing themselves and their current research goals and efforts. [10 min]
4. Students Q&A with Scientist. [20 min]

EVALUATION:

Quantity and quality of prepared questions and participation in and quality of discussion with scientist.