Exploring Coral Reefs

Gr 7 Up—Dr. Kiki (scientist and media personality Kirsten Sanford) discusses the reproductive and survival methods of our planet's corals. Divided into five instructional modules, and using a computer monitor throughout, she interviews Dr. Peter Harrison, an Australian expert on coral reefs, who explains and illustrates the vastly threatened lives of the corals which make up the coral reefs. Along with the reproductive systems and survival techniques discussed are the possible repair abilities of corals which may help them to overcome environmental challenges. The future of coral reefs is bleak, but the video encourages students to become involved and to consider joining the scientific forces attempting to slow or even reverse the degradation. The videos are amazingly intimate and the animated graphics do a fine job of explaining the life of the corals. However, the tone of the questions posed by Dr. Kiki and her style of interaction with Dr. Harrison are simplistic and ill suited to the serious topic being discussed. The excellent underwater photography makes this program useful for the study of coral reefs and environmental science.—Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, formerly Trinity-Pawling School, NY