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Philippine Reef Educator Guide

Grade 3 –Grade 5

What’s Inside: A. Exhibit Overview B. Exhibit Map c. Key Concepts d. Vocabulary E. museum connections f. Resources A. exhibit overview

Coral reefs are the sparkling jewels of tropical marine .

Welcome to the Philippine Exhibit, which represents one of our planet’s most diverse and fragile marine . This exhibit is home to a broad range of aquatic found in the coral reefs and

of the Philippine Islands. This includes such as Use this guide to: delicate soft and hard , blacktip reef , stingrays, and more than » Plan your field trip to the 2,000 colorful reef representing more than 100 . In this exhibit, California Academy of students can explore the amazing array of life that exists in the warm, Sciences’ Philippine Coral Reef exhibit. shallow off the Philippine . » Learn about exhibit This exhibit can be seen on two levels. On Level 1, students can walk on themes, key concepts and behind–the–scenes a path above a shallow, sandy mangrove —a calm, protected area information to enhance inhabited by sharks, rays, and schools of . Where the lagoon drops and guide your students’ off to the deep reef, hundreds of brightly colored fishes are visible near experience. the surface, enticing students to view the immersive spectacle one floor » Link to exhibit–related activities you can below. As you enter the aquarium on the Lower Level, you will see the download. main Philippine Coral Reef tank. At a depth of 25 feet and holding 212,000 » Connect your field trip gallons of , the Philippine Coral Reef tank is one of the deepest to the classroom. exhibits of live corals in the world. Curiosity leads to exploration of several small galleries along the perimeter of the exhibit that highlight the unique and complex interactions of reef .

The following main themes are found in the Philippine Coral Reef exhibit: » Tropical coral reef ecosystems, especially those found in the Philippines, are hotspots. » Many organisms living in tropical reef ecosystems depend on one another for survival.

02 Philippine Coral Reef Educator Guide California Academy of Sciences a Observation deck Living Roof

Planetarium exit

b Upper Gallery

Classroom c Naturalist Center Level 3 B. exhibit map

California Academy of Sciences Map d Forum Level 2

Sta€ Entrance

g K Swamp Early Explorers Cove Aquarium Store Project View into stairs Lab Collections

h Planetarium East pass pick-up l Earthquake Garden e Islands of Philippine Piazza M Rainforests Coral Reef of the World f Science (Exits in West in Action Aquarium) Garden Reef Lagoon O Room Restaurant

Penguins i African Hall J Information Odyssey N Academy Cafe Store

Entrance

Level 1 N

Level 1 N

Swamp

Level 1 stairs

Philippine Store Coral Reef P Philippine Coral Reef

Q Water S Northern U Amazon Planet California Flooded Lower Level (Aquarium) Forest N T Discovery Lower Level R Tidepool (Aquarium) Attraction

California Academy of Sciences Philippine Coral Reef Educator Guide 03

Design: reineckandreineck.com San Francisco B. exhibit map

Aquarium Map

Stairs to Stairs to Level 1 Lower Level Lower Level Level 1

Color on the Reef Philippine Philippine Coral Reef Coral Reef (underwater) (top view)

Water Planetarium Piazza Planet

Philippine Caribbean Mangrove Coral Reef Lagoon Life in on Reef N the Dark the Reef Partnerships N T-Rex

Welcome to the Philippine Coral Reef Exhibit, which represents one of our planet's most diverse and fragile marine ecosystems.

Located on Level 1 and Lower Level, the Philippine Coral Reef exhibit focuses on two main themes: » Tropical coral reef ecosystems, especially those found in the Philippines, are biodiversity hotspots. » Many organisms living in tropical reef ecosystems depend on one another for survival.

04 Philippine Coral Reef Educator Guide California Academy of Sciences c. key concepts

Level 1 Stairs to Philippine Mangrove Lagoon Lower Level Reefs and mangrove lagoons are ecological partners. Philippine Coral Reef Main ideas: (top view) »  are types of trees that grow along tropical shorelines. Piazza » Mangroves are buffers that protect the coast Planetarium against storms. Philippine » Young reef animals, such as sharks and fish, find Mangrove Lagoon shelter and food among mangrove roots and in N lagoon waters. T-Rex » Conserving coral reefs means protecting mangroves, too.

Take a closer look!

Learn about some of the animals found in the lagoon shallows. ROUTER LINE - does not print Blacktip Reef Honeycomb Carcharhinus melanopterus Himantura uarnak Honeycomb ray Easy to identify by the black This ray has a system of Himantura uarnak tips on their , these sharks sensory organs that run the are often seen cruising reef entire length of its body and J. Charles Delbeek © California Academy of Sciences shallows in large schools. , called the . : Small fish Its extra long tail can Distribution: Indian and Pacific approaching predators well in advance. Diet: and small fish Distribution: Indian and Pacific Oceans

Photo: J. Charles Delbeek © California Academy of Sciences

California Academy of Sciences Philippine Coral Reef Educator Guide 05 c. key concepts

Lower Level Stairs to Philippine Coral Reef Level 1

The more you watch, the more you’ll Color on the Reef California Coast see. At first, a coral reef looks like a Philippine Coral Reef moving mosaic. Watch carefully and (underwater)

you’ll see order in the mix. Water Planet Main ideas: » Coral reefs in the Philippines are home to some of Caribbean the world’s richest variety of —about 500 Coral Reef coral species and 2,000 fish species. Life in Venom on Reef N » Complex relationships are created as reef organisms the Dark the Reef Partnerships compete and cooperate for food, space, and mates. » From big fish resting in caverns to tiny nibbling in crevices, every square centimeter hosts members of the reef community.

Take a closer look!

Learn about some of the remarkable animals found on the reef.

Emperor Angelfish Carpet Anemone imperator Stichodactyla spp. This stunning fish has a blue Often mistaken for a , body with horizontal yellow carpet anemones are actually stripes and a jet black face animals. Red, green, and mask. Juveniles of this species blue carpet anemones are an important part of the reef and can live have been observed cleaning parasites off up to 100 . Many larger anemones provide larger fish. homes for other reef animals including , Diet: and shrimp, and anemone fish. Distribution: Indian and Pacific Oceans Diet: Small drifting animals Photo: Ron DeCloux © California Academy of Sciences Distribution: Indian and Pacific Oceans

Photo: Charles Delbeek © California Academy of Sciences

06 Philippine Coral Reef Educator Guide California Academy of Sciences c. key concepts

Lower Level Stairs to Color on the Reef Level 1

A rainbow of color sparkles on the Color on the Reef California Coast reef. Have you ever wondered why Philippine Coral Reef tropical coral reef residents are (underwater)

some of the most colorful creatures Water Planet on ?

Main ideas: Caribbean » Because coral reefs grow in clear, sunny waters, Coral Reef reef animals use their vision more than those that Life in Venom on Reef the Dark the Reef Partnerships N live in murky waters. Therefore, reef animals use color to communicate in various ways. » Color is used to attract mates, fool predators, signal danger, or help animals hide in plain sight.

Take a closer look!

These animals are some of the reef’s most colorful residents. Spotted dragonet Synchiropus picturatus Zanclus cornutus Bright colors aren’t always for The color patterns and shape show. The colorful patterns of of this fish’s body visually this fish help it blend in with breaks up its body outline the reef. See if you can find which may help protect a greenish fish with blue, orange, and black spots, it from predators. This fish has been the iconic large eyes and frilly fins. symbol of the Steinhart Aquarium since 1923. Diet: Small Diet: Small invertebrates, Distribution: Indian to Western Pacific Ocean Distribution: Indian and Pacific Oceans

Photo: John E. Randall Photo: Terry Goslinger © California Academy of Sciences

California Academy of Sciences Philippine Coral Reef Educator Guide 07 c. key concepts

Lower Level Stairs to Caribbean Coral Reef Level 1

It’s not enough to save a single reef Color on the Reef California Coast because each one is unique. Philippine Coral Reef (underwater) Main idea:

» Scientists study similarities and differences of Water Planet coral reefs worldwide to understand how to protect them. » Tropical coral reefs around the world are Caribbean threatened by human activities and climate Coral Reef change. Life in Venom on Reef the Dark the Reef Partnerships N

Take a closer look!

Explore some of the animals found only on Caribbean coral reefs.

Queen angelfish ciliaris argi The This is one of the Caribbean’s mainly on coral reefs smallest angelfish. It retreats surrounding Caribbean into holes when frightened to islands. Adults of this species avoid predators. Look for a dark extend their and scrape food from the reef blue fish with orange markings. with brush-like teeth. Diet: Algae Diet: Invertebrates & algae Distribution: Western and the Distribution: Western Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean

Caribbean Sea Photo: Ron DeCloux © California Academy of Sciences

Photo: Ron DeCloux © California Academy of Sciences

08 Philippine Coral Reef Educator Guide California Academy of Sciences c. key concepts

Lower Level Stairs to Life in the Dark Level 1

Some reef species prefer night to day. Color on the Reef California Coast Learn how reef organisms find their Philippine Coral Reef way in the dark. (underwater)

Water Main ideas: Planet » Even the darkest recesses of the reef are teeming with life.

» Some reef organisms live exclusively in dark caves, Caribbean or are active only at night. These animals have Coral Reef Life in Venom on Reef N special adaptations for life in the dark. the Dark the Reef Partnerships » Some reef fish have a symbiotic relationship with . These bacteria produce light that helps the fish communicate, navigate, hunt, and avoid predators.

Take a closer look!

See what’s hiding in the dark. Splitfin flashlight fish Zebra moray Anomalops katoptron Gymnomuraena zebra A chemical reaction in This is active at night bioluminescent bacteria (nocturnal), and emerges under this fish’s eye produces from its crevice or cave to light similar to fireflies. hunt. A keen Diet: Tiny drifting animals () helps it locate prey, and its Distribution: Western Pacific Ocean snakelike body can slip into tight spaces to capture a meal. Photo: John E. Randall Diet: Crabs, , sea urchins Distribution: Indian and Pacific Oceans

Photo: Martk Smith/Photo Researchers, Inc.

California Academy of Sciences Philippine Coral Reef Educator Guide 09 c. key concepts

Lower Level Stairs to Venom on the Reef Level 1

Chemical tools aid in reef Color on the Reef California Coast animals’ survival. Philippine Coral Reef (underwater) Main ideas:

» Some reef organisms use venom and other Water defensive chemicals to catch prey, defend against Planet predators, and fight infection. » The words venom and poison are often used Caribbean interchangeably, but they actually have very Coral Reef different meanings. Poison is absorbed or ingested, Life in Venom on Reef the Dark the Reef Partnerships N while venom is injected by a specialized structure, such as teeth, spines, or stinging cells.

Take a closer look!

Learn about some of the animals that use chemicals for self-defense. Lionfish Millepora spp. volitans Despite their name and The flashy lionfish uses appearance, these marine its venomous spines for organisms are not coral at aggression and defense. all. Like their close relatives, During courtship, a male and anemone, fire coral polyps defend the lionfish will charge an by delivering a burning sting. intruding male with its spines held forward like a Diet: Tiny drifting animals (zooplankton) charging bull. Distribution: Tropical Oceans Diet: Small fishes, invertebrates

Photo: Ron DeCloux © California Academy of Sciences Distribution: Indian and Pacific Oceans; introduced

Photo: Ron DeCloux © California Academy of Sciences

10 Philippine Coral Reef Educator Guide California Academy of Sciences c. key concepts

Lower Level Stairs to Reef Partnerships Level 1

Organisms living in partnership are Color on the Reef California Coast common on coral reefs—this is called Philippine Coral Reef . Explore some different (underwater)

types of symbiosis in this exhibit. Water Planet Main idea: » There are three broad categories of symbiosis: Caribbean , , and . Coral Reef » Mutualism occurs when both partners benefit from Life in Venom on Reef N the relationship. The foundation of coral reefs is the Dark the Reef Partnerships the mutualism between coral polyps and the algae () living in their cells. » Parasitism occurs when one partner benefits while » Commensalism occurs when one partner benefits the other partner is harmed. and the other partner is not affected.

Take a closer look!

These animals are interesting examples of different types of partnerships.

Upside-down jellies Pistol shrimp and Shrimp goby Alpheus spp. and Most jellies drift through the Amblyeleotris spp. ocean on currents, but not The shrimp creates a burrow this one. It lives upside–down in the that both animals on the sea floor in shallow use for protection. If a predator water of less than 10 meters (33 feet). These jellies passes by, the goby flicks its tail which alerts the have algae living inside their . Because shrimp, and they both retreat into the burrow. the jellies are upside-down, the tentacles get Diet: Tiny drifting animals (zooplankton) plenty of sun exposure so the symbiotic algae can Distribution: Western Pacific Ocean photosynthesize. Photo: Charles Delbeek © California Academy of Sciences Diet: Tiny drifting animals (zooplankton) Distribution: Western Pacific Ocean

Photo: © W. Gregory Brown / Animals Animals

California Academy of Sciences Philippine Coral Reef Educator Guide 11 c. key concepts

Exhibit Highlights

Photo: © Johan Fredriksson CC BY-SA Children’s Eel Garden Voices of the Philippines In the wild, a group of garden can exceed Thanks to coral reef advocates, reefs in the 1,000 individuals! Garden eels live in sea grass Philippines are making a comeback. beds on the edges of tropical coral reefs. They Many Filipino communities have successfully stretch their bodies upward and pluck tiny animals embraced the challenge of caring for their reefs. (zooplankton) drifting in the current. When Filipinos rely on reefs for food, income, and threatened, they duck for cover in the sandy protection from storms. Yet their reefs are among bottom. the world’s most damaged due to pollution, development, unsustainable practices, Garden eels are also homebodies—each rarely and other human impacts. Through community leaves its burrow. Their sandy burrows are education, responsible fishing practices, and supported by the eels' hardened skin secretions establishment of marine protected areas, citizen which prevent cave-ins. groups and government agencies are working to In this exhibit, your students can crawl through a help Philippine coral reefs stage a comeback. tunnel for an eye-level view of a thriving eel garden. In this exhibit, your students can listen to the compelling stories of Filipinos who are working tirelessly to protect their country’s coral reefs through stewardship, advocacy, and restoration.

12 Philippine Coral Reef Educator Guide California Academy of Sciences c. key concepts

Exhibit Highlights

Photo: © Kevin Twomey Coral Reef Conservation Night and Day, Day and Night Communities that rely on coral reefs are learning Animals living on a coral reef have a daily rhythm. that wise actions today mean healthy reefs As the sun sets on the reef, the animals that are for future generations. In the Philippines and active during the day (diurnal species) hunker elsewhere, over-harvesting from reefs results in down, and a new cast of characters appears. The destruction and loss of biodiversity and first to show are the twilight-active (crepuscular) natural resources. species. The night-active (nocturnal) species follow. These shifts are one way that competition for Think about protecting coral reefs when you shop. resources and exposure to predators for reef life Choose fish for home aquaria that were captive are reduced. bred or collected by hand. When shopping for souvenirs, avoid shells and other trinkets that came The Chambered (Nautilus pompilius) is an from coral reefs. You can also help by preventing example of an animal with a day and night shift. trash and pollution from getting into the ocean. During the day, the nautilus lives in the dark, cool waters 275 to 610 meters (900 to 2,000 feet) below the surface. This helps it avoid predators. When night falls, it ascends to shallower waters to feed.

California Academy of Sciences Philippine Coral Reef Educator Guide 13 d. vocabulary

Vocabulary a physical characteristic or behavior that helps an survive and reproduce in its environment algae plant-like organisms found in many aquatic (water-based) habitats colors, patterns and shapes that help animals blend in with their surroundings, making it harder for predators to see them conservation the protection, preservation, management, or restoration of natural environments and the ecological communities that inhabit them ecosystem an ecological community together with its environment, functioning as a unit an animal that does not have a backbone, such as a jelly or a sea star a form of a marine animal with a body shaped like a cylinder and tentacles around a central mouth the process in which organisms use water along with sunlight and dioxide to make sugar and animals that drift in the oceans and other bodies of water. Plankton cannot swim or move against water currents, so they tend to drift. Plankton may be microscopic, like fish larvae, or large like some jellies. venom a an animal produces to defend itself or hunt its prey; it is delivered by a specialized structure, such as

teeth, spines, or stinging cells. an animal that has a backbone, such as a fish or a snake

14 Philippine Coral Reef Educator Guide California Academy of Sciences d. vocabulary

Vocabulary (continued) symbiosis a close relationship between two or more organisms of different species, which is beneficial for at least one of the organisms zooxanthellae tiny algae that sometimes live inside other marine organisms such as coral, anemones, and giant clams

California Academy of Sciences Philippine Coral Reef Educator Guide 15 e. museum connections

Science Behind the Scenes Caring for the coral reef animals in the Steinhart Aquarium

Have you ever wondered who takes care of the thousands of animals living in the Philippine coral reef exhibit?

It takes a team of expert biologists and engineers working together to recreate a vibrant living Philippine coral reef here at the Academy. Some of the living corals on display were sustainably collected as coral fragments by Steinhart Aquarium biologists in the Philippines. While diving off the coast, biologists removed small pieces of coral from colonies and legally exported them to the Photo: Will Love © California Academy of Sciences California Academy of Sciences. Back at the Academy biologists continued to grow these corals To help biologists care for the corals, special lights in tanks behind the scenes. This is a process known that simulate tropical sunlight makes it possible as propagation. Once corals are large enough, to grow corals indoors. Inside each coral animal biologists carefully transfer the corals to tanks on (polyp) live thousands of microscopic algae the public floor. (zooxanthellae) that share with their hosts.

“No one person could do it all,” says Bart Shepherd, One of the main responsibilities of the Aquarium Director of the Steinhart Aquarium at the California engineers is to ensure that the water in each tank is Academy of Sciences. A team of six biologists maintained at the proper temperature and pH level. propagate the corals, feed the animals, clean the When oceans absorb the greenhouse gas carbon tanks, and maintain the careful balance of animals dioxide, the pH of the water changes, becoming living inside each exhibit. more acidic. This process is known as and poses a serious threat to coral “My role at the aquarium is to care for a wide range reefs. Exhibits such as the Philippine Coral Reef of aquatic animals. Although live corals may look remind us what healthy reefs should look like. like rather simple animals, they are also one of the hardest to keep thriving. Much of my time is spent When asked about his favorite part of his job, behind the scenes ensuring that these animals are aquarium biologist Nick Yim says, “I enjoy feeding living healthy lives,” says aquarium biologist Matt the animals, watching the animals grow and the Wandell. exhibits mature and develop into living art displays.”

16 Philippine Coral Reef Educator Guide California Academy of Sciences e. museum connections

Specimen Spotlight Giant clams Tridacna spp.

On the first floor, in the shallow pool above the main Philippine Coral Reef tank, you’ll find some of the Academy’s most colorful residents, giant clams. Tridacna gigas Tridacna crocea The bright colors you see on the ’s body come from tiny algae (zooxanthellae) living inside the clam’s , and no two clams have the exact same color pattern. These algae convert sunlight into nutrients that help feed the clam. Clams also use their to draw water into their bodies and Tridacna crocea Tridacna maxima filter out tiny drifting plants and animals (plankton). Take a closer look—do you see dark spots along the edges of the clam’s colorful body? These are simple eyes that detect changes in light and dark.

Giant clams can grow to a length of 1.2 meters (4 feet), can weigh more than 227 kg (500 pounds), and can live for more than 100 years. Once a settles on a coral reef, it remains in that same spot for the rest of its life! Reef organisms, such as small invertebrates, plants, and sponges, Photo: Bart Shepard © California Academy of Sciences can also be found living on the clam’s fluted shell.

There are legends that warn that giant clams can Because giant clams average only 12 cm (4.7 inches) swallow a human whole! There has never been of growth a , it takes a long time for them to a confirmed report of a giant clam swallowing a become giants. The giant clams in our exhibit were human, and we know that the muscle the clam produced through aquaculture. Many Filipinos are uses to close its shell moves too slowly to take any planting captive-raised giant clams on their coral swimmer by surprise. Most likely, the giant clam reefs to restore wild populations. would simply hide in its shell rather than attack.

California Academy of Sciences Philippine Coral Reef Educator Guide 17 e. museum connections

Related Exhibits

California Coast Rainforests of the World Dive into the underwater world of the northern Learn about another ecosystem that relies on water coast of California which contains some of the in the Rainforests of the World exhibit. Here, the world’s richest temperate marine ecosystems. journey through this hot and humid environment Compare the animals found in the Philippine begins on the forest floor and takes you up through Coral Reef to those found along the California the different layers of a rainforest. Explore the coast. At the Discovery Tidepool in the California diversity of plants and animals found in the tropical Coast exhibit, students can get up close and rainforests of Borneo, Madagascar, Costa Rica and personal with animals of the rocky the Flooded Amazon and discover how life there and learn about the adaptations they have for has adapted to the presence of abundant water surviving the changing water conditions of daily and seasonal flooding typical of tropical rainforest high and low tides. ecosystems.

Water Planet Learn how aquatic animals are specially adapted to survive in their environment as students explore the essential connections between life and water. Learn about a variety of animals that live in and without water. Learn how each animal has unique adaptations for reproducing, moving, feeding, sensing, and defending themselves in their environments. Through interactive stations in the exhibit, students can also explore the different properties of water found on Earth—, salt water, hot and cold water, surface and subsurface water, frozen, liquid and vapor forms, and how organisms are adapted to each.

18 Philippine Coral Reef Educator Guide California Academy of Sciences F. resources Philippine Coral Reef Guide

Foxface Pyramid Blue-and-yellow Palette tang Siganus unimaculatus fusilier Paracanthurus hepatus Diet: algae, marine Hemitaurichthys polylepis Caesio teres Diet: algae, zooplankton plants, corals Diet: zooplankton Diet: zooplankton Ron DeCloux © California Academy Susan Potter © California Academy of Sciences of Sciences Ron DeCloux © California Academy Ron DeCloux © California Academy of Sciences

Female

Male Orange-shoulder Birdnose Blue-spine False clown surgeonfish Gomphosus varius unicornfish anemonefish Acanthurus olivaceous Diet: crustaceans, Naso unicornis Amphiprion ocellaris marine , clams, Diet: algae Diet: algae, zooplankton Diet: zooplankton small fishes Ron DeCloux © California Academy Ron DeCloux © California Academy J. Charles Delbeek © California of Sciences Ron DeCloux © California Academy of Sciences Academy of Sciences of Sciences

Sixbar wrasse Oriental Clown tang hardwicke sweetlips Pomacanthus imperator Acanthurus lineatus Diet: zooplankton* Plectorhinchus vittatus Diet: corals, sponges, Diet: algae algae, tunicates, Evan Barbour © California Academy Diet: crustaceans, sea J. Charles Delbeek © California of Sciences crustaceans Academy of Sciences stars, molluscs Ron DeCloux © California Academy Ron DeCloux © California Academy of Sciences of Sciences

California Academy of Sciences Philippine Coral Reef Educator Guide 19 F. resources Philippine Coral Reef Guide

Corals

Male Corals such as those pictured below tiny Male algae cells inside them called zooxanthellae

Female (“zo-zan-thelly”). In exchange for the protection Female and nutrients the coral provides, zooxanthellae Lyretail anthias Square-spot fairy provide corals sugars and other nutrients. Like plants, zooxanthellae photosynthesize with the Pseudanthias basslet help of sunlight. squamipinnis Pseudanthias pleurotaenia Diet: zooplankton Diet: zooplankton Ron DeCloux © California Academy Ron DeCloux © California Academy of Sciences of Sciences

Green horn coral Leather coral Hydnophora species Sarcophyton species

Evan Barbour © California Academy Ron DeCloux © California Academy of Sciences of Sciences Lamarck’s Double whiptail angelfish Pentapodus emeryii Genicanthus lamarck Diet: brittlestars, marine worms, small Diet: zooplankton fishes, zooplankton Ron DeCloux © California Academy Evan Barbour © California Academy of Sciences of Sciences Plate coral species Montipora capricornis

Bart Shepherd Evan Barbour © California Academy © California Academy of Sciences of Sciences

Blacktail Striped cleaner wrasse Dascyllus melanurus Labroides dimidiatus Diet: algae, zooplankton Diet: scales, and coral coral

Ron DeCloux © California Academy parasites of other fishes Leptoria species Acanthastrea species of Sciences Ron DeCloux © California Academy Evan Barbour © California Academy Ron DeCloux © California Academy of Sciences of Sciences of Sciences

20 Philippine Coral Reef Educator Guide California Academy of Sciences F. resources

Suggested Activities to Download Download these activities from our website to enrich your field trip experience.

» Pre-Visit Activity: Colorful Fish Adaptations (suggested grades 3-5) www.calacademy.org/teachers/resources/lessons/colorful-fish-adaptations/ In this activity, students will learn that color is an important adaptation for many , learn how to write haiku, and practice their speaking skills by reciting their own haiku. Be sure to review our » Post-Visit Activity: Sustainable Fishing in the Philippines (suggested grades 3-8) teacher resources online! www.calacademy.org/teachers/resources/lessons/sustainable-fishing-in-the-philippines/ www.calacademy.org/ In this game, students will learn that unsustainable fishing risks depletion and of fish teachers/resources populations, and brainstorm solutions to protect coral reefs and fish for future generations. » Pre–, during–, and post visit activities: short, » Connected Experience: Marine Invertebrate (suggested grades 3-12) lively activities to focus www.calacademy.org/teachers/resources/lessons/marine-invertebrate-anatomy/ your trip to the In this lesson, students will learn about invertebrate diversity and compare ’ Academy. anatomy with those of . » Connected experiences: » Connected Experience: Sketching: Colorful Coral Reef (suggested grades 3-5) Activity combinations www.calacademy.org/teachers/resources/lessons/sketching-colorful-coral-reef/ that extend the museum In this activity, students will learn that color is an important adaptation for many coral reef organisms, visit into the classroom. and find all the colors of the rainbow within the California Academy of Sciences’ coral reef. » Anytime lesson plans: » Anytime Lesson Plan: Fish Prints (suggested grades 3-5) Full–period lessons to www.calacademy.org/teachers/resources/lessons/fish-prints/ integrate into your yearly In this hands-on art activity, students will study and identify features of the external anatomy of a curriculum. fish, and learn about issues related to conservation of fish.

» Anytime Lesson Plan: Build a Coral Polyp (suggested grades 3-5) www.calacademy.org/teachers/resources/lessons/build-a-coral-polyp/ By building an edible coral polyp, students will learn the anatomy of coral, review the differences between plants and animals, and learn about the unique symbiotic relationship between corals and zooxanthellae.

CA Science Content Standards

Grade Three Grade Four Grade Five Life Sciences Life Sciences Life Sciences 3b: Biodiversity 3a. Ecosystems 2f. Photosynthesis 3c. Living things change the 3b. Plant and animal survival environment 3c. Plant & animal 3a. Ocean salt water interdependency 3d.

California Academy of Sciences Philippine Coral Reef Educator Guide 21 F. chaperone resources ( Pages 22 and 23 can be printed double-sided for chaperones to use during the field trip )

Guiding Questions and Answers Use these questions to get students thinking about the Philippine Coral Reef.

» What of organism is coral? Is coral an » Compare the animals found on the reef to those animal, a plant, or both? in reef caves. How are they similar or different? The big pieces of corals you see in the tank are What might be some reasons for these actually thousands of individual animals, known differences? as polyps. A polyp is a tiny animal that looks Since the water surrounding a coral reef is so like an upside-down jellyfish. Each coral polyp clear, animals can see one another very well. has tiny algae called zooxanthellae that live Many organisms on the reef have bright colors within its cells. The zooxanthellae are tiny plants that help them communicate with each other. that photosynthesize to provide energy for the However, one type of fish found in reef caves coral animal. In return for these nutrients, the doesn’t rely on colors to communicate; instead corals provide a safe place for the algae to live. they communicate by making their own light There are “hard” corals, which have a calcium with bioluminescent bacteria living underneath carbonate around their living tissue. the fish’s eyes. These bacteria create a chemical Other corals are “soft”, which means they lack reaction similar to fireflies that produce light. the hard skeleton. This is an example of an animal being specially adapted to its environment. » Observe the Philippine Coral Reef tank and compare it to the California Coast tank. How are » Where on the reef do you see organisms coral reefs similar and different from our local depending on each other for survival? coastal California ecosystem? With so much life teeming on the reef, Both Philippine coral reefs and California partnerships are one way to increase chances of coastal ecosystems are teeming with life. Both survival. An example of two animals benefiting ecosystems are comprised of many different from a partnership is the clown fish and the types of fish, invertebrates, and algae. However, anemones they live within. Clown fish are coral reefs are found in shallow waters where concealed and protected from predators by the symbiotic zooxanthellae algae living in the corals stinging tentacles of the anemone. In return, convert sunlight into energy via photosynthesis. the anemone gets protection and nutrients This partnership forms the foundation of the from their clownfish resident. Another reef coral reef ecosystem. Along the California coast, partnership is between cleaner shrimp and some large algae known as giant , form “forests.” reef fish that allow their scales, teeth, and These photosynthetic kelp are the foundation of to be cleaned by the shrimp. “Cleaner stations” this local ecosystem. of fish waiting to be cleaned by shrimp can be observed all over the reef.

22 Philippine Coral Reef Educator Guide California Academy of Sciences F. chaperone resources ( Pages 22 and 23 can be printed double-sided for chaperones to use during the field trip )

Aquarium Map

Stairs to Stairs to Level 1 Lower Level Lower Level Level 1

Color on the Reef Philippine Philippine Coral Reef Coral Reef (underwater) (top view)

Water Planetarium Piazza Planet

Philippine Caribbean Mangrove Coral Reef Lagoon Life in Venom on Reef N the Dark the Reef Partnerships N T-Rex

The Philippine Coral Reef Exhibit represents one of our planet's most diverse and fragile marine ecosystems.

Located on Level 1 and Lower Level, the Philippine Coral Reef exhibit focuses on two main themes: » Tropical coral reef ecosystems, especially those found in the Philippines, are biodiversity hotspots. » Many organisms living in tropical reef ecosystems depend on one another for survival.

California Academy of Sciences Philippine Coral Reef Educator Guide 23