Investigating the Impact of Artificial Reefs
Problem-Based Learning Study of Human Influence on Marine Ecosystems
This lesson is designed to test students’ ability to conduct research and develop a solution to a possible problem regarding artificial reefs, which are used to create human-made marine ecosystems. The lesson uses problem-based learning as a method for causing students to produce a recommendation based on research, findings, and conclusions. Students must decide whether to support artificial reefs or recommend abandoning the practice.
Artificial reefs are created using a variety of methods. Many reefs are built by deploying existing materials in the oceans to create a reef. These existing materials include the sinking of oil rigs, scuttling ships, or using construction debris. Other artificial reefs are purpose built from plastic pipes and/or concrete.
Artificial reefs are generally designed to provide stable surfaces for algae and invertebrates such as barnacles, corals, and oysters to attach themselves. The accumulation of attached marine life in turn provides intricate structure and food for assemblages of fish, creating a marine life food web.
Artificial Reefs Investigation
In this investigation, students are challenged to consider whether artificial reefs are good for marine ecosystems. Students follow the guidelines of the scientific method and problem-based learning as they complete the investigation. This investigation is designed for middle school gifted programs or high school marine science and environmental classes.
The Problem
Artificial reefs are being placed in many locations in the world’s oceans to attract and create marine ecosystems. Advocates state that these reefs will have no adverse effects on the oceans and marine life, because these artificial reefs replicate natural reefs.
Some environmental organizations are opposed to the placement of these artificial reefs. Their position is that these new ecosystems will adversely impact natural selection, species growth, and ultimately cause a decline in marine life due to lack of natural ecosystems.
Materials (per group)
- Computer
- Internet access
- Website – Artificial Reefs of the World
Procedures
Students are divided into groups of four with the following roles:
- Marine Biologist – specializes in natural reefs
- Environmentalist – concerned with marine ecosystems
- Business Owner – specializes in artificial reefs
- Researcher – studying the impact of artificial reefs
Next students:
- research artificial and natural reefs.
- compare and contrast the similarities and differences between natural reefs and artificial reefs.
- prepare arguments for or against the use artificial reefs using data and information they discovered through research.
- prepare a newsletter to be sent to appropriate government officials and organizations providing their research, findings, conclusions, and their recommendation for supporting or not supporting artificial reefs. (An alternative means of communication is to post all the information on a group page in a class Wiki for presentation to class and other concerned parties.)
Student Questions
- When a ship is sunk to become an artificial reef, does its shape matter and the type of materials from which it was made?
- How might an artificial reef provide support for a natural reef?
- How might an artificial reef cause fisherman to think there are more fish in the area before the artificial reef existed?
- How do fish react when an artificial reef is placed nearby?
- How do artificial reefs impact commercial fisherman?
- Do artificial reefs provide solutions to human environmental problems?
Further questions are developed based on student answers and their questions.
Making Connections in Science
As students conduct their research, they make connections between science concepts such as marine biology, ecosystems, habitats, species of fish, natural reefs, marine environmental concerns, human environmental concerns, and many others. Determining the impact of artificial reefs helps students use reasoning skills and logical-deductive thinking.
Sinking a Ship to Make an Artifical Reef
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