SEA-CT Engages with Environmental Studies Class at Maloney High School in Meriden

Our mission to create awareness and foster that next generation of ocean stewards continued on March 23 at Maloney High School. The environmental studies class has been studying about the aquatic environment and recently focused on coral reefs. To reinforce the value, diversity and threats to the coral reefs, Jeff provided a presentation on “Exploring the Coral Reef”. 

The session began with a brief overview of the value of coral reefs and the life that lives on them. From there, the students were taken on a journey from the reefs of Hawaii, to the incredible life in the Gulf of California. The next stop were the coral reefs of the Cayman Islands and finally, we ended in the Philippines in the Coral Triangle. By providing a glimpse into the incredible life that is dependent on a healthy and vibrant reef, the students gained a better appreciation of why it is important to protect these ecosystems.

We know that coral reefs are under threat and the session wrapped up with the threats they are facing including climate change, disease and predation. The students were shown a series of photographs of bleached coral, coral that was impacted by disease and how predators destroy them. Using a 3D model, Jeff demonstrated how a polyp reacts when the water gets too warm.

In addition to the presentation, the class also had the chance to look at 3D models of various types of corals from around the world. The 3D models were created from photographs that Jeff took in the Caymans and the Philippines.

Special thanks to the staff at Maloney High School for inviting us to present to the class and for their continued support of SEA-CT.

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