Rainbows in the Sea:
a guide to earth's coral reefs

National Science Teachers Association: “This DVD package represents not only a rainbow of content but a golden opportunity for inquiry learning about marine ecosystems. The images of coral reefs and the species that depend on them are spectacular and clear enough to use as observational data for student discovery … The scaffolded content includes taxonomy, anatomy, symbiotic relationships, and adaptations for survival… this package represents a great way to provide students with a virtual field trip in a format in which they can actually observe and infer, acting like field scientists … encourage teachers who purchase this package not just to "show it" but to create frameworks through which students can investigate relevant questions by observing and recording, just as a real marine biologist would.” "RECOMMENDED"

American Library Association:
"2006 Notable Children's Video"
“Ages 11 and up.  Spectacular underwater photography along with clear narration take young people on a journey through the Earth’s coral reefs and stress the importance of conservation.  Teachers’ guides and additional information on coral reef animals and the Coral Reef Alliance are included.”

Video Librarian: "...this program offers a comprehensive overview of the underwater habitats known as coral reefs. Viewers will learn about: the shaping of reefs due to changes in sea level and natural influences (such as earthquakes), the optimal conditions for a healthy reef (clean water, salt content), the varieties of landscape shapes and types of hard and soft coral, and various colorful residents (shrimp, anemones) and preda­tors (including some amazing footage of a chameleon-like octopus). In addition, the program addresses the problems facing these "living rainbows" around the globe, ranging from natural disasters such as hurricanes and typhoons, to phenomena such as global warming, coral bleaching, and the effects of dynamite fishing (which looks as crazy as it sounds), all of which nonprofit organizations such as The Nature Conservancy, the Reef Environmental Education Foundation, and the CRA are striving to combat. Combining clear and interesting narration, vivid footage, animation, diagrams and maps, and onscreen text ... this excellent program-which includes DVD extras such as a five-minute illustrated taxonomic reef animal review, a printable teacher's guide, reef location maps, and links to resources is highly recom­mended. Aud: I, J, H, P. “3 1/2 Stars”

Rainbows in the Sea: is a journey of discovery across our planet's magnificent coral reefs, from the Caribbean to the far reaches of the Indo-Pacific. It showcases the wide variety of colorful fishes and invertebrates that survive in these complex ecosystems.

First, we learn how coral reefs form, what conditions they need to grow and stay healthy, and why corals host algae. Why do reefs differ between the Indo-Pacific and tropical Atlantic?

We then glide through a soft coral "garden" and meet other creatures, many of which are closely related to corals, that attach to coral reefs. We watch Indo-Pacific sea anemones play host to the brilliant anemonefishes. We learn how sponges feed, and how marine worms filter their food.

Next, we follow the more mobile reef invertebrates as they make their living. Snails that crawl, worms that creep, sea stars that use hydraulics to move about, sea urchins that wave their sharp spines, those sanitary engineers of the reef: the lobsters, crabs and shrimps, and the octopus, are all revealed as we glide over the corals. We even spy on a reef "cleaning station" where tiny shrimp remove body parasites from large fish!

The fish themselves may be the most fascinating residents of coral reefs. Why do some school, while others are loners? What do different species eat? How do body camouflage and other clever devices keep some fish from BECOMING a meal? How do the services of cleaner fish benefit the reef community? We'll get close to sharks, barracudas and sea snakes, as well as stingrays digging in the sand in search of a meal.

Finally, we learn what’s happening to earth’s coral reefs, mostly at the hands of humans. Most important, we'll explore a variety of interesting projects, going on now, designed to help reefs survive.

The DVD version of "Rainbows" allows the 28 minute movie to be played all at once or as five separate segments ranging in length from 3 minutes to almost 8 minutes. It also provides more detailed maps of the earth's coral reefs than are shown in the movie.

Both VHS and DVD versions include: A Review of Coral Reef Animals by Taxonomic Groups". This beautifully illustrated taxonomic review of the tropical marine animals associated with coral reefs includes summaries of the physical traits shared by individuals in each taxonomic group.

"Rainbows in the Sea" comes with a Teacher's Guide for use with the video presentation. The Teacher's Guide includes the narrative script for the video, a list of vocabulary words, a set of 24 quiz questions and 14 suggestions for independent study.

"Rainbows in the Sea" was produced in conjunction with the Coral Reef Alliance.

Released in 2005
Closed Captioned
28 minutes
Elementary to Grade 12
DVD - $29.98

Order

EARTHWISE EDUCATIONAL PRODUCTS:
Crabs and Barnacles
Life on A Rocky Shore
Life on the Edge * 2005 Notable Children's Video
Rainbows in the Sea * 2006 Notable Children's Video
Song of the Salish Sea * 2007 Notable Children's Video
Test of Methods to Control the Invasive Tunicate: Ciona savignyi
World Between the Tides