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Reef Care: Evidence for Better Choices

Compare reef aquarium observations and use evidence to recommend community actions that protect water, resources, and coral reef environments.

Grade 5ScienceInteractive · Printable

Aligned to5-ESS3-1

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What’s included

Single worksheet
Auto-graded online
1 NGSS standard
Printable answer key
14 questions
Classroom-ready

Details

Format: Interactive · Printable
Grade: Grade 5
Subject: Science
Question types: Fill in the blank, Multiple choice, Matching, Circle the answer, Sorting, Short answer

About this worksheet

What students practice

Students compare observations from two reef aquarium setups.
Students use evidence to explain how community choices can protect water and reef resources.
Students recommend a conservation action supported by observations.

How to use

Read the investigation with students and examine both graphs before they answer. Ask students to cite numbers or observations when making their recommendations.

Curriculum

NGSS standard covered

5-ESS3-1

Find out how communities use science ideas to protect Earth's resources and environment.

Preview

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Reef Care: Evidence for Better Choices

Use aquarium observations to recommend ways a community can protect reef environments.

Compare the Reef Tanks

Read the investigation. Use the graphs and observations to answer the questions.

A Reef-Care Investigation

1The Harborview Aquarium Club cared for two small saltwater tanks that modeled shallow coral reef habitats. The tanks held the same amount of water. They had the same kinds and numbers of small fish, the same water temperature, and the same number of hours of light each day. The club tested two feeding plans for four weeks.

2In Coral Cove tank, a team member measured each fish feeding with a scoop. In Tide Pool tank, a team member estimated the amount by pouring food. The club kept the cleaning schedule the same. Each week, students recorded leftover food, nitrate in the water, and the amount of algae covering a marked section of the tank wall.

3Coral Cove had an average of 1 spoonful of leftover food, 6 milligrams per liter of nitrate, and 10 percent algae cover. Tide Pool had an average of 4 spoonfuls of leftover food, 14 milligrams per liter of nitrate, and 24 percent algae cover. Nitrate is a nutrient that can increase algae growth when too much is present in water.

4The club also compared two supply plans for a month. The reusable plan used washable glass containers and cloth towels. The single-use plan used disposable plastic cups and paper towels. Students counted the disposable items used by each plan. The aquarium staff will use the results to choose practices and share them with other local groups that care for waterways.