Last week students finished up our brief study of the Great Barrier Reef, located off the eastern coast of Queensland, Australia. We played many games that had to do with coral, anemone, and the many kinds of fish and marine life that live in the Coral Sea. Students watched a brief video of some of the strange habits that the living creatures display in an effort to survive in their habitat. They especially liked the information about the stinging tentacles of the anemone and how the clown fish can protect itself by covering its body with mucus, thus being able to enter the anemone. They also learned about the many partnerships that sea life form in order to stay safe from predators. We played a game called "Little Fishies, Little Fishies, Swim on Home," had a Great Barrier Reef obstacle course, and did a cooperative activity with the parachute where students worked together to move the clown fish from the coral to the safety of the anemone. It was a great week!
The shark waits for the fish to swim by.
In the "Little Fishies" game, moving foam frisbees represented
the anemone, who could also tag fish who came swimming by.
This group works together to move down the gym floor
transferring the clown fish from the coral to the safety of the anemone.
Exercise balls were used to represent the stinging tentacles of the anemone.
Tossing and catching the clown fish was part of the obstacle course.
Blowing a fish cracker with a straw was also part of the obstacle course.
This student runs around the coral during the obstacle course.
We used foam noodles for the coral.
A successful catch brings a smile to this student's face.
