Exploring the Wonders of the Great Barrier Reef

1. Begin by displaying a large, colourful image or short video clip (1-2 minutes) of a vibrant coral reef ecosystem, without revealing its name. Ask pupils to describe what they see, focusing on colours, animals, and the environment.
2. Prompt questions: 'Where do you think this place might be?', 'What kind of climate would it need?', 'What makes this place special?'
3. Introduce the term 'coral reef' and explain that today we'll be exploring one of the most famous and important ones on Earth.

1. Locating the Reef (10 minutes): Display a world map or globe. Ask pupils if they know where this amazing place is. Guide them to Australia. Explain that the Great Barrier Reef is off the north-eastern coast of Australia. Have pupils work in pairs or small groups to find Australia and then, more specifically, the area of the Great Barrier Reef on their own atlases or printed maps. Encourage them to use an index if available.
2. What is the Great Barrier Reef? (10 minutes): Introduce key facts about the Great Barrier Reef using a presentation (slides with images and simple text) or a large poster. Cover:
   • Size: It's the world's largest coral reef system, visible from space!
   • Formation: Made up of thousands of individual reefs and islands, formed by tiny living creatures called polyps over thousands of years.
   • Biodiversity: Home to an incredible variety of marine life – colourful fish, sharks, turtles, dolphins, dugongs, and many types of coral.
   • Importance: Why is it important? (e.g., home for animals, protects coastlines, helps us learn about the ocean, provides jobs for people).
3. Fact File Creation (10 minutes): Provide pupils with a 'Great Barrier Reef Fact File' template. This could include sections for 'Location', 'Size', 'Animals I might see', 'Interesting Facts', and a space to draw or stick an image. Pupils use the information shared to complete their fact files. Encourage them to use descriptive language.

1. Gather pupils together. Ask them to share one new fact they learned about the Great Barrier Reef with a partner or the whole class.
2. Use a 'Think, Pair, Share' approach: 'Think about why the Great Barrier Reef is important. Pair up with a friend and discuss. Share your ideas with the class.'
3. Briefly revisit the world map and ask a pupil to point to the Great Barrier Reef, reinforcing its location.

Observe pupils' ability to locate the Great Barrier Reef on a map/globe. Review their completed 'Great Barrier Reef Fact Files' for accuracy and detail. Listen to their contributions during the plenary for understanding of key facts and importance.

• Large world map or globe
• Atlases or printed maps of the world/Australia (one per pair/group)
• Images/short video clip of a coral reef (e.g., from BBC Earth, National Geographic)
• Presentation slides or large poster with key facts and images of the Great Barrier Reef
• 'Great Barrier Reef Fact File' templates (one per pupil)
• Pencils, colouring pencils