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Start here: Learning about the Great Barrier Reef! 🪸

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Start here: Learning about the Great Barrier Reef! 🪸

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Welcome everyone! We will be exploring one of Australia's greatest and famous landmarks, the Great Barrier Reef! Has anyone visited this place before? What do you want to know about the Great Barrier Reef? Post a comment and a question to start us off!

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To start us off, let's find out the basic facts.
With a buddy, click on the link to find out the answers to these questions:
1. What is the Great Barrier Reef?
2. Where is it?
3. How long is it?
4. What can you find there?
5. Is there anything that surprised you or you found interesting while reading? Any fun facts?
Write your answers down on the sticky notes from the teacher and then we will discuss as a class!

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The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef on Earth. A barrier reef is a long, narrow coral formation that lies parallel to the shoreline of a landmass and is mostly underwater. The Great Barrier Reef is in the Coral Sea, off the northeastern coast of Australia. It extends 1,250 miles (2,000 kilometers) from north to south.

The Great Barrier Reef is a tourist attraction and a protected marine environment. The sea life of the reef is extraordinary. The reef has been formed over millions of years from the skeletons of millions of tiny corals. There are at least 300 types of hard coral on the reef. Other animals include sponges, anemones, worms, snails, lobsters, crayfish, prawns, jellyfish, and giant clams. Certain types of algae give the reef a purplish red rim. There are also more than 200 types of birds and more than 1,500 types of fish, many with brilliant colors and unusual shapes. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared the Great Barrier Reef a World Heritage site in 1981.

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The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef on Earth. A barrier reef is a long, narrow coral formation that lies parallel to the shoreline of a landmass and is mostly...

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Today, we will be travelling with our turtle friend to see what the Great Barrier Reef looks like, through this video!
Make note of what you can see!

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Amazing Turtle's Eye View of the Great Barrier Reef | WWF Australia

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What happened to the coral? How has the coral been affected?

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What happened to the coral? How has the coral been affected?

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Why should we protect the Great Barrier Reef?

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We are going to read this picture book as a class. What do you think this might be about?

After reading:
- How do you feel?
- Why is the Great Barrier Reef so important? Why should we protect this landmark?

Turn and talk to brainstorm some of the reasons for protecting the Reef. Write some of the noun groups down on the sticky notes from the teacher to share and paste on our observation wall!

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How else does the Great Barrier Reef affect Australians?

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How else does the Great Barrier Reef affect Australians?

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How does the Great Barrier Reef affect people's jobs and life?
What might happen if the Great Barrier Reef continues to become damaged?

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The economic, social and icon value of the Great Barrier Reef

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In small groups, you will be exploring the different aspects of the Reef like what we have been looking at so far. Topics include biodiversity; the relationship Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have with the place; conservation challenges etc.

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Did you know that more wildlife lives around coral reefs than in any other part of the ocean? Find out more about these important ecosystems in our coral reef facts...
What are coral reefs?

When you look at a coral reef, you might think that you are seeing a group of colourful rocks. But don't be mistaken! Reefs are actually made out of living creatures called coral.

Where are coral reefs found?

Coral reefs can be found all over the world! However, most coral reefs grow in shallow, clean ocean waters on either side of the Equator, because they need sunlight and warm temperatures all year to survive.

Some famous coral reefs include the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the Amazon Reef in Brazil and French Guiana, the Tubbataha Reef in the Philippines and the Miami Terrace Reef in the United States.

Quick facts about coral reefs...

- Coral have growth rings, just like trees!

- The first coral reefs formed on Earth 240 million years ago. That's before the dinosaurs were alive!

- Most coral reefs today are between 5,000 and 10,000 years old.

- There are more than 800 different types of hard coral around the world.

- The Great Barrier Reef is the largest reef system on Earth. You can even see it from space!

Life in coral reefs

Lots of different types of sea creatures call coral reefs their home - giant clams, starfish, sea turtles, , eels, cuttlefish and many, many more. The reefs provide this diverse range of animals with everything they need, including food and shelter.

A lot of animals who live on the reef camouflage themselves to blend amongst the coral, either to stay safe from other animals or to hide as they hunt.

Plants also live on reefs. Algae live inside soft coral, using sunlight to provide food and help the coral grow. In other areas, sea grass provides food for sea animals like dugongs and turtles.

Why are coral reefs endangered?

The biggest threats to coral reefs are spilling into the oceans, damage from ships and boats, and climate change, which makes the water warmer and more acidic.

Save our coral reefs!

To save our coral reefs, many people are working hard to clean up the pollution on land and in the sea. Some countries have even protected their coral reefs.

You can help save coral reefs too, by following some simple tips:

- Conserve your water use, by turning off taps when you brush your teeth!

- If you're lucky enough to go diving, look at the coral - but don't touch it! Touching coral can disturb it, and sometimes kill it.

- Spread the word and tell your friends about how they can help save the planet!

All images: Pixabay

Did you enjoy reading our coral reef facts? Let us know by leaving a comment below!

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Did you know that more wildlife lives around coral reefs than in any other part of the ocean? Find out more about these important ecosystems in our coral reef facts... When you look at a coral reef, you might think that you are seeing a group of colourful rocks.

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Website - Great Barrier Reef Foundation for Kids

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Website - Great Barrier Reef Foundation for Kids

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Kids Corner is a place to learn more about the Great Barrier Reef through games and activities that bring the Reef to life.

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Pt 1: Great Barrier Reef Solutions - Behind the News

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Website - How can Indigenous Knowledge help protect the Great Barrier Reef?

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Website - How can Indigenous Knowledge help protect the Great Barrier Reef?

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The Great Barrier Reef is one of Australia's most unique environmental gems and the world's largest reef system, spanning 2,300km. First Nations peoples have been nurturing this reef for millennia, especially the 70 Traditional Owner groups whose Sea Country includes the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. These First Nations groups are highly concerned about the severe environmental damage the reef is facing from oil spills, rising sea temperatures and coral bleaching. Many people are unaware that these Traditional Owner groups still have a significant role in protecting and maintaining a healthy ecosystem for the reef. By looking to Traditional Custodians and listening to their intimate knowledge of sea Country, we can help to minimise the many environmental threats that the Great Barrier Reef now faces (BBC, 2021).
The Dazzling colour of the Great Barrier Reef near Airlie Beach. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons, 2018.
Indigenous History of the Great Barrier Reef

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have lived in the Great Barrier Reef region for over 60,000 years. Prior to the sea level rise and reef forming over 7000 years ago, First Nations people lived on what is now the seafloor. Astonishingly, significant stories and cultural practices from this site still remain to this day. Once the reef formed, Indigenous peoples continued to care for their sea Country, protecting it and making sustainable use of the reef's resources. Despite the loss of land and sea Country rights, displacement and the disruption of culture, many Indigenous peoples still maintain a strong connection to this Country (Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, 2021).

Queensland's Land and Sea Ranger Program
Protecting the reef and preserving its inhabitants. Photograph by Yuku-Baja-Muliku Rangers. Courtesy of National Indigenous Australians Agency, 2021.
Queensland's Land and Sea Ranger Program is a key way in which Traditional Owner groups are continuing to look after the Great Barrier Reef. Through the program, the State Government partners with First Nations communities to conserve important ecosystems and cultural heritage in locations stretching from Cape York to the Bunya Mountains. Through this program, Indigenous rangers combine traditional knowledge of Country and western science. Rangers share knowledge between their teams at annual workshops, where they gather, hear stories of success and take field trips to broaden their understanding of different caring for Country approaches. The program is successful in improving environmental outcomes for the reef, and benefits the Indigenous communities carrying out the work culturally, socially and economically (Queensland Government, 2021).

Rescuing Turtles

Gudjuda Rangers, from the Burdekin region 650km south of Cooktown, are one of the groups supported by the Indigenous Land and Sea Ranger Program. Currently, the rangers are working alongside scientists to protect turtles, which are under threat from the turtle-specific Herpes virus called fibropapillomatosis. The virus is thought to be caused by marine pollution, and results in tumors that can blind the turtles. As a part of an extensive turtle monitoring program, the Gudjuda rangers conduct periodic turtle rescue and tagging excursions. In the coming months, visitors will be able to join their catch and release data collection events with Gudjuda Tours . These tours will be a chance for the Gudjuda rangers to show people how they look after turtles, and educate the public about the important role turtles play in the reef's ecosystem and Indigenous culture (BBC, 2021).

Inevitably, as our climate continues to deteriorate, so does the Great Barrier Reef. Groups of scientists and activists are working hard to protect this precious environment and it is so important that Traditional Custodians continue to be involved as well. With knowledge of the reef, stretching back tens of thousands of years, Indigenous rangers form a crucial part of reef protection efforts, through practical work and through educating the wider public about the Great Barrier Reef's environmental and cultural importance (BBC, 2021).

If you'd like to learn more about Traditional Owner reef protection check out the Great Barrier Reef Foundation .

Or, if you would like to make a contribution to the protection of the reef, then take a look at the incredible work of our partners Great Barrier Reef Legacy and make a donation.

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How Indigenous Knowledge Can Help Protect the Great Barrier Reef

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The Great Barrier Reef is one of Australia's most unique environmental gems and the world's largest reef system, spanning 2,300km. First Nations peoples have been nurturing this reef for millennia, especially the 70 Traditional Owner groups whose Sea Country includes the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. These First Nati

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The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef on Earth. A barrier reef is a long, narrow coral formation that lies parallel to the shoreline of a landmass and is mostly underwater. The Great Barrier Reef is in the Coral Sea, off the northeastern coast of Australia. It extends 1,250 miles (2,000 kilometers) from north to south.

The Great Barrier Reef is a tourist attraction and a protected marine environment. The sea life of the reef is extraordinary. The reef has been formed over millions of years from the skeletons of millions of tiny corals. There are at least 300 types of hard coral on the reef. Other animals include sponges, anemones, worms, snails, lobsters, crayfish, prawns, jellyfish, and giant clams. Certain types of algae give the reef a purplish red rim. There are also more than 200 types of birds and more than 1,500 types of fish, many with brilliant colors and unusual shapes. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared the Great Barrier Reef a World Heritage site in 1981.

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The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef on Earth. A barrier reef is a long, narrow coral formation that lies parallel to the shoreline of a landmass and is mostly...

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Download FREE teacher-made resources covering 'Aboriginal Totems'

Sign up to Twinkl for FREE and get access to great teaching resources and guides to benefit your teaching of this topic.

A totem is a symbol taken from nature, such as a plant or animal, that is inherited by members of a culture, community or family as their spiritual emblem. Totems define people's roles and responsibilities, their relationships with each other and their wider relationship to creation itself.

This key part of Aboriginal Spirituality connects Aboriginal Australian and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to their cultural lineage. This connectedness also comes from the totemic connection to The Dreaming. Totems are believed to be the descendants of the heroes from The Dreaming stories. The rich history of intergenerational storytelling only adds to the importance of these stories, as the totems come to carry the weight of personal and spiritual histories for individual Aboriginal Australian cultures.
For more on topics related to Aboriginal Totems, read this overvi Aboriginal Australian Cultures for Children
These resources have been developed and approved in meeting the standards of the Twinkl Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples related content guidelines, and are therefore endorsed as being authentic and culturally appropriate. Twinkl Australia acknowledges the traditional owners of the country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, sea, and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to elders both past and present.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that these resources and resource pages may contain the image, name, or voice of deceased persons.

What is Kinship?

Kinship is a key part of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples' culture, that cannot easily be summarised, as it forms part of how individual cultures come to be. It relates to the connection that everyone has with each other, as well as the roles, responsibilities and obligations Indigenous Australians might have within community, the environment and ceremony. It essentially dictates social structure. There are three primary foundations of kinship: moiety, totems and skin names.

Totemic Responsibility

Aboriginal Totems are more than just a symbol. They represent the sense of ownership and responsibility these communities feel over the land, by connecting personal identity with the natural world.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures have strong links to conservationism. This means that they have a special caring relationship with the environment, which is shown through their spiritual connection with their surroundings.

Their care of the environment is called stewardship. This means that they look after the natural resources in their area and ensure that they are not overused. It also means that they will never kill their totem animal. As everyone is given a specific totem, this means that each part of nature has a steward looking over it.
If you'd like to teach a full lesson on this topic, start with the Aboriginal Totems PowerPoint, which is filled with engaging editable slides and information.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples also have a spiritual responsibility for their totem. During their ceremonies, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples ask for enough food and rain for the following season so that their totem can survive. This translates over into farming and agriculture practices, too.

The societal role of Aboriginal Totems

As well as conservationism, Aboriginal totems can have many important roles within Aboriginal Australian societies. For example, they can represent the individual's role within the family, as well as their relationship to others and to creation.

People who share the same totem can feel a connection towards each other, which is made stronger by the fact that they will share some of the same responsibilities within the community.

For this reason, it is common for families to also share a totem related to a natural element or part of the land.

When are you given your totem?

Children are given their totem when they are born. Over time, they are taught about the importance of this totem, as elders share Dreaming stories, sing songs and introduce them to the ways that their totem fits into the wider family. Many Dreaming stories have an animal who is the hero character. It is often on this hero character that the young person's totem is based. The Dreaming story helps to give them an understanding of their totem's character.

Young children are also encouraged to spend time watching their totem, whether it is an animal or a plant, studying its behaviour to see what they can learn from it.

Examples of Aboriginal Totems
These resources both fit the core cross-curricular aims related to Aboriginal Australian cultures and Connection to Country.
The range of Aboriginal Totems vary depending on the natural features and wildlife relevant to the Nation. Some potential examples of Aboriginal Totems include:

You could introduce these totems to your class and have them discuss what kinds of aspects within the animals might make them stand out as something to personally connect with.

Or, you could try these Totem Display Posters or this customisable Totem Worksheet, which both ask what totem your children would like to have and why.

More resources to help you introduce your children to Aboriginal Totem examples and Aboriginal Australian and Torres Strait Islander cultures

Now that you know all about Aboriginal Totem examples, it's time to share your knowledge with your students. We've got an ever-expanding treasure trove of teacher-made resources to help save you time in the classroom. They've been tailor-made with the Australian Curriculum in mind. So, you can rest assured that you're always getting safe, reliable and accurate information for your children. Whether you're looking for engaging PowerPoint presentations, ready-made worksheets or attractive display posters, Twinkl has you covered. We've picked out a few of our favourites for you to try below.

This Aboriginal Totem Photo PowerPoint is full of fascinating Aboriginal Totem examples. It features realistic photos to give visual examples of animals and objects that can be totems, including kangaroos, snakes and elements like fire and water.

You could even use this resource as the basis for an interactive game. Simply cover up the names of the animals and make this PowerPoint into a mini quiz to see how many animal names your children know. Once revealed, test your children to see what they know or what qualities they believe the totem to have.

Our Connection to Country PowerPoint will help expand your children's knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. You'll find more in-depth information on the importance of kinship, which is closely related to traditional ideas of totemic responsibility.

Your children will learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People's relationship with the land, sea and sky before European settlement. This informative presentation brilliantly couples illustrations with information that will encourage deep understanding and questioning.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities aren't the only ones that use totems. This Native American Totem Reading Activity is great for introducing your children to this rich and diverse culture. You'll find a passage of text for your children to read, followed by a worksheet with a colouring and writing activity.
Let's end with a video...
This resource explores the symbolism, history, and purpose of a totem pole. Your students practising their inference, deduction, and comprehension skills whilst expanding their cultural horizons. Children will learn about memorial totem poles, ceremonial totem poles, and family heritage totem poles.

We've also got a terrific Totem Pole Visual Aid to use in your lessons. This lovely craft activity asks children to create their own 3D totem pole model. It comes complete with an illustrated totem pole cut-out and easy-to-follow instructions on how to put it together.

Once your totem pole is standing upright, your child can use it as a handy vocabulary reminder as it has a list of different terms along each side.

If you're working on this material for Harmony Day, then take a look at the following video from the Twinkl YouTube channel, which has been made specifically to give some great ideas for events related to this topic:

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Aboriginal Totems for Children | Examples and Resources

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This guide to Aboriginal Totems includes information on their significance and cultural importance to Aboriginal Australian Cultures.

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Remember to skim and scan, looking for keywords!

Start off with these links below:

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Website - Cultural and Historical Significance of the Great Barrer Reef

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Website - Cultural and Historical Significance of the Great Barrer Reef

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By James Dixon | 4th April 2015

Humans have heard about the Great Barrier Reef for over 40,000 years - a magnificent natural phenomenon flanking the sun-soaked coast of Australia. Blessed with jaw-dropping beauty, the world's largest coral reef delivers a wealth of marine life and individual reef systems - not to mention breathtaking tropical islands and gorgeous golden sand beaches.
Great Barrier Reef Discovery and Documentation
Although the Reef was known to man for so long, the Europeans only discovered it in the late 1700's. The first reef sighting was recorded and documented by Louis de Bougainville in 1768 when he approached the Australian coast; however, rough conditions forced him to steer a course towards Asia, missing Australia completely.

The reef was better documented and thrown open to the scientific community worldwide when James Cook, captaining the Endeavour, travelled the entire stretch of reef from May to August 1770. However, he too travelled towards the inland and had no idea of the extent of the reef. The ship hit Endeavour Reef, just north of Cape Tribulation and Cook was forced to repair the ship ashore - at a location, now called Cooktown. During the six weeks that the ship was being repaired, Cook along with his botanists Daniel Solander, Joseph Banks and a few illustrators were able to observe and document the reef with whatever little equipment they had. The data wasn't much, but enough to excite the scientific community worldwide.

After the repairs, Cook wasn't able to find a way out of the natural barriers. He sailed to Lizard Island, climbed to its highest point, and sighted a passage to safely carry the Endeavour out. This passage is now known as Cook's Passage.

Another significant exploration was carried out by Matthew Flinders, who between 1801 and 1803 set out to chart and document the entire Australian coastline. It was Flinders who named the Great Barrier Reef and also found a passage large enough to navigate ships without causing wreckage - the Flinders' Passage.

The Great Barrier Reef also hosts as many as 30 shipwrecks in its waters, with each wreck sounding a story of its own. There is evidence of wrecks from as early as the 18 th century to the more recent lighthouses and sites from the World War II era. There are also documented cases of fishermen and divers coming to these waters from as far as China and Japan in search of Sea Cucumbers and pearls. Nevertheless, that's what we have come to know about the reef today.
The Traditional Owners of the Great Barrier Reef
The Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders - original occupants of the continent - have known and explored the reef for tens of thousands of years. The cultural significance of the Great Barrier Reef to these communities has largely been documented through paintings, songs and stories that have been passed down through generations. The Aborigines and Torres Straight people used these waters to gather fish and other natural resources required for their sustenance. The Torres Straight Islanders have always been sea faring people - there are illustrations of them using canoes with wind sails to trade with mainland aborigines through the reef waters. Each tribe has their own version of how the reefs were created - mainly expressed through song and dance. They are also known as the traditional owners of the Great Barrier Reef - having been privy to the magnificence of the reef for centuries before it was documented.
Protecting the Reef
The government appointed a Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority - that works with the sole purpose of maintaining the beauty and culture of the reef area. Local Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders have joined hands with the Marine Park Authority to help protect and keep the Great Barrier Reef safe - it doesn't just have a history - it is an integral part of indigenous Australian culture.

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The Great Barrier Reef - Cultural and Historical Significance

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Humans have heard about the Great Barrier Reef for over 40,000 years - a magnificent natural phenomenon flanking the sun-soaked coast of Australia.

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https://sites.google.com/view/edup2031-learning-expo/home?authuser=0

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Website - Traditional Owners of the Reef 

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Website - Traditional Owners of the Reef 

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The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority works with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Traditional Owners and acknowledges the continuing Sea Country management and custodianship of the Great Barrier Reef by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Traditional Owners, whose rich cultures, heritage values, enduring connections and shared efforts protect the Reef for future generations.

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The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority works with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Traditional Owners and acknowledges the continuing Sea Country management and custodianship of the Great Barrier Reef by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Traditional Owners, whose rich cultures, heritage values, enduring connections and shared efforts protect the Reef for future generations.

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Video - Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority 

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Video - Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority 

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Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority

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The Great Barrier Reef: A Story of Co-Management and Conservation with Phil Rist