Expert available for 3rd grader interview

[SarahPSl]

I am looking for an expert reefkeeper for my 3rd grade son to interview regarding the Impact, survival and destruction of Coral Reefs.

This is for his Quest program in school. Later this month he will set up a display of live corals and another of bleached coral bones from souvenior shops at a Quest fair. The Quest Program is Leander ISD's talented and gifted program for students.

Do you think a toadstool or leather will tolerate "gentle" touching?

Any suggestions or comments are greatly appreciated.

Sarah

[Polkster13]

"Gentle touching"? Maybe, but I wouldn't want to find out on one of my corals. However, I do have a short spine sea urchin that would make a great "hands-on" exhibit. I also have a lot of stuff that I could make available. I don't consider myself an "expert" per say but I am very knowledgeable and could provide him with books from my extensive library as well as information on-line.

Feel free to PM me for further details. Also, I live in Lago Vista and my wife is a 6th grade science teacher and has used my stuff for her class as well. I have been keeping aquariums for over 40 years and saltwater for over 20 years.

[GaryP]

When those sort of corals are aggravated they stress and produce toxins. I don't think you want kids walking away with toxins on their hands.

[Chris]

Agreed with Gary. The last thing you want to teach people and/or children is that touching corals is okay. Even if it's safe, it's not something that should be practiced in the ocean.

[SarahPSl]

Great point! Polkster I will send you a PM shortly, thank you for the offer.

[don-n-sa]

When I used to snorkel as a kid in Florida and the Bahamas I was always warned not to touch a certain coral due to its very painful stinging capabilities...I remember getting stung by them once and yes it was bad. Its funny but I really can't picture what it looked like but I think it was called "fire coral" and I think it was red...does anyone know exactly what corals they were/are?

Sorry to hijack this thread Sarah...I feel that it is somewhat related.

[Thunderkat]

Also slightly off but I remember as a kid seeing a cartoon where a little girl went underwater to visit her underwater fish friends and stepped on a coral and got a minor cut in her foot but the toxin nearly killed her (and in a kids cartoon!).

[Polkster13]

Millipora alcicornis, Branching fire coral
M. complanata, Blade fire coral

Was it one of these?

[don-n-sa]

Millipora alcicornis, Branching fire coral
M. complanata, Blade fire coral

Was it one of these?

I don't know...I was just a kid 6- 15 yrs old when I was there I need some pics...all I know is that it hurt pretty bad!!