Explore the world’s largest coral reef ecosystem with this engaging Great Barrier Reef reading comprehension resource.

Students will learn where the Great Barrier Reef is located and discover how it stretches for about 2,300 kilometres along the northeast coast of Australia. The passages explain how tiny animals called coral polyps build hard skeletons that slowly form coral reefs.

Students will also explore the Reef’s incredible biodiversity, including colourful fish, sea turtles, sharks, rays and dugongs, while learning how coral reefs provide food and shelter for marine life.

The resource introduces coral bleaching and explains how unusually warm ocean temperatures can stress coral. Students will also discover why the Great Barrier Reef is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What’s included:

• Informational reading passages
• Great Barrier Reef geography
• Coral polyps and reef formation
• Marine habitats and biodiversity
• Sea turtles, fish and dugongs
• Coral bleaching and conservation
• Reading comprehension questions
• Written response activities

Perfect for Australia studies, oceans, coral reefs, marine habitats, geography, science, reading comprehension and homeschool learning.

File type: Printable PDF
Preparation: Print and use