Coral reefs support nearly 30% of marine life despite covering just 0.5% of the ocean. However, rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and human activities are threatening their survival. This Inquiry Brief challenges students to analyze real-world data on coral bleaching, biodiversity loss, and the economic impact of reef decline. Through calculations, data interpretation, and critical thinking, students will explore the ecological importance of reefs, identify key threats, and evaluate potential solutions to mitigate climate change and protect marine ecosystems.
What is an Inquiry Brief?
Inquiry Briefs are compact, targeted case studies designed for assessment purposes, closely aligning with the AP Environmental Science (APES) curriculum. Unlike traditional case studies, which provide background information to teach students before asking questions, Inquiry Briefs present a limited amount of information and require students to apply their prior knowledge - similar to the format of the AP exam. Each of the nine Inquiry Briefs corresponds to a specific APES unit and includes AP-style free-response questions (FRQs), making them effective tools for end-of-unit assessments or end-of-year review. Each brief includes both a student edition and a teacher edition with complete answer keys.