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The main goal of this video investigation resource is to facilitate inquiry-based learning through activities that require the scientific skills of observation, data collection, comparison, and analysis. The video clips that accompany the descriptions of each reef site are provided to allow students the opportunity to observe the reefs and record descriptions to better recognize them. By allowing students to analyze the reef sites on their own, they will develop skills of observation and visual data collection. Educators may wish to have students develop a data table listing the different characteristics important in identifying the various reef sites. The Assessment videos provide students the opportunity to use their data table to determine the site to which the reef belongs. The goal behind focusing the web site on inquiry-based learning is to facilitate the students in discovering science By allowing them hands-on access to the activities, they develop scientific skills and interest in a more personal way and they will better understand what it is to participate in science.
Most of the clips are less than 450 kb. Three are between 1MB and 2.4MB. They require Flash to be viewed. If your computer does not have Flash, click HERE. If you are using a 56K modem connection the download times may be extreme.

Throughout the video investigation tool you will find still images that link to video clips. To view a video clip, simply click on a still image, and allow ample time for the file to download. If you are going to use the Assessment section, please do so after viewing the entire site. To receive the Assessment’s answer key, which includes the attributes of each video clip, please send an e-mail request to the address found on the assessment page. We welcome your comments and feedback at oceanica@cofc.edu.

While using this video investigation tool the student is encouraged to track their discoveries by setting up a data table. The table for this site should include the three main categories: the main identifiying characteristics, substrate type, and organisms present. From here it is the students’ responsibility to record the observations they feel are important. This open-ended format helps to foster a more creative scientific learning method for the student.


Dr. Leslie R. Sautter
Project Oceanica Director
Associate Professor
Department of Geology and Environmental Geosciences,
College of Charleston
Paul Korchari
Graduate Student
MES Program, Biology,
College of Charleston
NSF GK-12 Fellowship
Mary O'Leary
Science Teacher
Sch. of Math & Science,
Charleston, SC
NSF GK-12 Fellowship
Dewey Golub
Project Oceanica
Webmaster
Technology Specialist
College of Charleston
NSF grant funded GK-12 #502448 (Tempel, G. and VanSickle, M., co-PIs)


Ph. 843-953-7846
Project Oceanica
Dept. of Geology & Environmental Geosciences
College of Charleston, Charleston, SC 29424
Fax 843-953-7850