Coral reefs support nearly 30% of marine life despite covering just 0.5% of the ocean. However, rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and human activities are threatening their survival. This Inquiry Brief challenges students to analyze real-world data on coral bleaching, biodiversity loss, and the economic impact of reef decline. Through calculations, data interpretation, and critical thinking, students will explore the ecological importance of reefs, identify key threats, and evaluate potential solutions to mitigate climate change and protect marine ecosystems.
What is an Inquiry Brief?
Inquiry Briefs are compact, targeted case studies designed for assessment purposes, closely aligning with the AP Environmental Science (APES) curriculum. Unlike traditional case studies, which provide background information to teach students before asking questions, Inquiry Briefs present a limited amount of information and require students to apply their prior knowledge - similar to the format of the AP exam. Each of the nine Inquiry Briefs corresponds to a specific APES unit and includes AP-style free-response questions (FRQs), making them effective tools for end-of-unit assessments or end-of-year review. Each brief includes both a student edition and a teacher edition with complete answer keys.
Climate Change Affecting Coral Reefs - APES Unit 2 (Teacher & Student Edition)
ZIP file containing 3 PDF files
(1 Teacher Edition, 1 Student Edition, 1 Science Outside Terms and Conditions)
AP® Environmental Science Learning Objectives
1.3 Describe the global distribution and principal environmental aspects of aquatic biomes.2.1 Explain levels of biodiversity and their importance to ecosystems.
2.2 Describe the results of disruptions to ecosystem services.
2.6 Describe how organisms adapt to their environment.
9.6 Explain the causes and effects of ocean warming.
9.7 Explain the causes and effects of ocean acidification.
9.9 Explain how species become endangered and strategies to combat the problem.
AP® Environmental Science Practices
1.A Describe environmental concepts and processes.
1.B Explain environmental concepts and processes.
1.C Explain environmental concepts, processes, or models in applied contexts.
2.A Describe characteristics of an environmental concept, process, or model represented visually.
2.B Explain relationships between different characteristics of environmental concepts, processes, or models represented visually: In theoretical contexts and In applied contexts
2.C Explain how environmental concepts and processes represented visually relate to broader environmental issues.
5.A Describe patterns or trends in data.
5.B Describe relationships among variables in data represented.
5.C Explain patterns and trends in data to draw conclusions.
5.D Interpret experimental data and results in relation to a given hypothesis.
5.E Explain what the data implies or illustrates about environmental issues.
6.A Determine an approach or method aligned with the problem to be solved.
6.B Apply appropriate mathematical relationships to solve a problem, with work shown (e.g., dimensional analysis).
6.C Calculate an accurate numeric answer with appropriate units.
7.A Describe environmental problems.
7.B Describe potential responses or approaches to environmental problems.
7.C Describe disadvantages, advantages, or unintended consequences for potential solutions.
7.D Use data and evidence to support a potential solution.
7.E Make a claim that proposes a solution to an environmental problem in an applied context.
7.F Justify a proposed solution, by explaining potential advantages.