Help students develop their reading comprehension skills and scientific understanding with this coral bleaching worksheet reading comprehension activity. Science literacy and reading comprehension is very important to include into our science curriculum in order to ensure our students become globally aware citizens. To be able to read science articles on diverse topics, and draw meaning and understanding from them is an essential skill that students should develop throughout their schooling years. This skill will have a significant impact on students ability to be globally aware citizens.

This coral bleaching worksheet reading comprehension lesson contains an informational text about coral reef bleaching and explains the problem including the primary causes of coral bleaching, impacts of water temperatures, impacts of climate change on coral reefs, and coral reef conservation activities. Following the coral bleaching reading comprehension passage, students will answer a series of text-based comprehension questions as well as some more critical thinking comprehension discussion questions.

Why use the coral bleaching worksheet reading comprehension activity?

• It is low prep! Just print and go or use the digital resource activity in Google slides.
• It is differentiated. It comes with three different levels of reading passage and questions.
• It is perfect to have on hand for when you have to leave an emergency sub lesson.
• Can be used in a wide range of teaching environments including the traditional classroom, independent work, distance learning, online learning, homework or for an earth science substitute plan lesson.
• Can be used for a wide range of subjects including earth day, earth sciences, general science, geography, marine biology etc
• Teacher answer key is included.

This reading comprehension passage is designed for middle school students and high school students in 7th grade, 8th grade and 9th grade and it comes with 3 differentiation options.

Format: printable student worksheet in a pdf file. Digital student worksheet in Google Slides.

Why use the Coral Bleaching Worksheet for reading comprehension?

Coral reefs are one of the most diverse marine ecosystems that exist. This resource allows students to delve into the wonders of our oceans and the devastating effects severe coral bleaching can have. Understanding coral bleaching is crucial for students for several reasons:

1. Environmental Awareness: Learning about these topics fosters environmental awareness and a sense of responsibility for the planet. Students can understand the impact of their actions and human activity (such as pollution and over fishing) on the environment and make informed decisions.
2. Critical Thinking: Studying coral reef sites and impacts encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students can analyze complex environmental issues, evaluate evidence, and propose solutions.
3. Future Preparedness: Coral bleaching is a pressing issue with significant implications for the future of the earth. By understanding the causes and effects of thermal stress on the health of coral reef sites, students can be better prepared to adapt to and mitigate its impacts for future generations.
4. Informed Citizenship: Knowledge of coral bleaching empowers students to become informed citizens who can participate in discussions and decision-making processes related to the health of coral reefs.
5. Career Opportunities: A strong understanding of these topics and the human impact on the earth can open up career opportunities in fields that promote environmental stewardship such as environmental science, marine science etc.
6. Personal Impact: Students can learn about the problem of coral bleaching first hand and consider ways to take personal action to reduce their own impacts on coral reef ecosystems such as our precious Great Barrier Reef. This type of lesson is great to pull at student's heart strings by showing them how we can negatively impact marine life and marine animals.

Developing student skills in reading comprehension is the job of every teacher. Using science articles for reading comprehension is the perfect reinforcement of these skills while helping students develop in their scientific knowledge and understanding.