Lab 2: Anatomy of Coral
The lab activity described here was created by Erin Bardar and LuAnn Dahlman of TERC for the EarthLabs project.
Summary and Learning Objectives
In this activity, students examine hydra, a fresh-water relative of coral, under a microscope to observe feeding behavior and identify stinging cells that are characteristic of corals. They also learn more about the individual animals that make up coral reefs and construct simple models of coral polyp anatomy and feeding behavior.
After completing this investigation, students will be able to:
- draw conclusions about corals by examining the behavior of hydra;
- explain and model how corals eat, grow, and reproduce; and
- explain the difference between hard and soft corals.
Context for Use
Lab 2: Anatomy of Coral introduces students to anatomy/biology of the individual coral polyps that join together to form reefs. This activity should take approximately two 50-60 minute class periods. Part A is a hands-on wet lab that requires the advance purchase of hydra and daphnia or brine shrimp samples. In Part B, students compare the anatomy of hydra with that of coral polyps and construct a simple model of coral anatomy and processes using egg carton cups and other common craft materials.
Activity Overview and Teaching Materials
In Part A students take a close-up look at coral's freshwater cousin, the hydra. You will need the following materials for each student or small group of students:
- hydra samples
- medicine droppers
- depression (well) slides
- straight pins or paper clips
- daphnia or brine shrimp
- magnifying lenses
- microscopes
In Part B of this lab, students make comparisons between the hydra anatomy they observed in Part A with a diagram showing the anatomy of a hard coral polyp. Students are then introduced to the difference between hard and soft corals and to zooxanthellae, the photosynthetic algae that provide corals with color and nutrition. Finally, students build simple physical models of coral polyps using egg carton cups and common craft supplies. Each student or small group of students will need:
- 3" x 3" sticky notes (i.e. Post-It® notes)
- pencils or pens
- transparent tape
- scissors
- egg carton cups
- additional craft supplies (i.e., markers, construction paper, glue, etc.)
Printable Materials
- Activity Sheet ( and Word (Microsoft Word 2007 (.docx) 43kB Mar10 20))
PDF -- educator-only file
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Teaching Notes and Tips
Make sure students follow proper lab safety procedures and handle live specimens with care.
Collect polyp models for re-use later in the unit.
Assessment
You can assess student understanding of topics addressed in this Investigation by grading their responses to the Stop and Think questions.
State and National Science Teaching Standards
Additional Resources
Background Information
- How do soft corals differ from hard or stony corals? or What is a Sclerite?
Content Extension
- Go to the NOAA Photo Library to view additional photos of coral polyps.
- Read the NOAA articles What Are Corals and Coral Reefs? and What Are Corals? for brief, but thorough tutorials on corals and coral reefs.