http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/education Inspiring ocean literacy and conservation through
National Marine Sanctuaries
Oceans for Life Lesson Plan
Biodiversity
O VERVIEW
In this lesson, students wi l explore the biodiversity of two National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) national marine sanctuaries. Following a discussion of the term
"biodiversity" and why biodiversity is important, students wi l take virtual trips (via video footage) to
Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary, located off the California coast, and the Hawaiian
Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. They will then work in groups to further
explore one of the two ocean treasures, noting the types of wildlife the sanctuary supports, the
importance of the ecosystem, and the threats it faces. Groups will also consider how each
sanctuary's location might affect its health and long-term outlook. To conclude, the class will
come back together to share their findings, and compare and contrast the two national marine
sanctuaries.
This lesson is one in a series exploring the history, biology, and ecology of the National Marine
M ATERIALS
Computer with internet access (Note: all
information can be pre-downloaded and
printed)
Blank index cards
Small magnets or tape for attaching cards
to the blackboard
F OCUS Q UESTIONS
• What is biodiversity and why is it important?
• How does the location of a sanctuary affect
its long-term outlook?
L EARNING O BJECTIVES
Students will:
• define biodiversity and ecosystem;
• understand the importance of biodiversity to
an ecosystem;
• explore the threats to Cordell Bank and the
Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale national
marine sanctuaries; and
• consider the relationship between the
location of each sanctuary and the long-
term outlook for its health.
A UDIO V ISUAL M ATERIALS
T EACHING T IME
Three to four hours
S EATING A RRANGEMENT
Whole-class instruction and small group
activities
M AXIMUM N UMBER OF S TUDENTS
No limit
