A Tale of Deep Corals

Lesson Plan Overview

Students describe and explain the two hypotheses for the frequent occurrence of deep-sea corals in the vicinity of hydrocarbon seeps. Students evaluate relevant experimental data and explain how this data may support or refute these hypotheses. Students define and contrast coincidence and causality, explain the relevance of these terms to hypotheses such as those related to deep-sea corals and hydrocarbon seeps.

Source: NOAA Ocean Explorer
Grades: 9-12

Literacy Principles:

OLP#5: The ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems.

OLP#7: The ocean is largely unexplored.

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