Beneath the Surface: A Journey to the Great Barrier Reef
Earth's Incredible Places Series
What’s inside...
In The Great Barrier Reef Is Dying but so Are We, a cellist and actor reflect on the various aspects of their marriage, exploring themes of ex-partners, potential relationships, and the resilience of human connections. The book also serves as a vibrant guide to the Great Barrier Reef, featuring surprising facts and retro illustrations, making it an ideal read for children curious about marine life. A separate illustrated introduction by Oceanographer Helen Scales and illustrated by Lisk Feng, highlights the natural wonders of the reef, its ecosystems, unique creatures, and its cultural significance. Readers also learn about the reef's formation, its role in the world, and conservation efforts to protect it.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-11
Length
88 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes the Great Barrier Reef special after reading this book?
How do you feel about the creatures that live in the reef and their environment?
What are some ways we can help protect oceans like the Great Barrier Reef?
Which part of the journey beneath the surface did you find the most exciting or surprising?
Can you imagine what it would be like to visit the Great Barrier Reef yourself? What would you like to see or do there?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to describe their favorite parts of the book and why they found them interesting.
Ask open-ended questions to prompt your child to think deeply about the story and its implications on the environment.
Connect the story to your child’s experiences by discussing any visits to the sea or aquariums, or their feelings about marine life and conservation.
Suggest drawing a scene or a creature from the book as a way to creatively express their thoughts and feelings about the story.
After discussing the book, consider watching a documentary about the Great Barrier Reef together to deepen the connection with the real-world aspect of the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness
Explanation: The book delves into the diverse ecosystems of the Great Barrier Reef, portraying the importance of coral reefs and their impact on marine life.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of protecting natural habitats, encouraging them to take part in environmental conservation efforts such as recycling or beach clean-ups.
Example Lesson: Respect for Biodiversity
Explanation: Through the exploration of various marine species in the book, children understand the concept of biodiversity and why each species is crucial for ecological balance.
Real-World Application: This understanding can lead children to respect all forms of life, avoiding actions that may harm animals or plants in their surroundings.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The protagonist's journey through the reef showcases a natural quest for knowledge, emphasizing the joy and importance of learning new things.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to observe the world around them more keenly and ask questions about how things work, fostering a lifelong love for learning.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: As challenges arise during the journey, the protagonist demonstrates critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Children learn that facing problems head-on and thinking creatively can lead to solutions, a skill applicable in school projects and daily challenges.
Example Lesson: The power of teamwork
Explanation: The story illustrates how characters working together can achieve more than working alone, highlighting the benefits of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to collaborate with others, whether in classroom activities, sports, or family tasks, promoting better interpersonal skills and success in group settings.