Ecosystem Cluster Analysis

Coral bleaching caused by high ocean temperatures threatens marine biodiversity and coastal communities. This spreadsheet simulation uses cluster analysis of reef temperature and location data to assess bleaching risk. Users are guided step-by-step through visualizing and interpreting k-means clustering results, with built-in feedback to support learners who get stuck. Familiarity with data organization and basic statistical methods is beneficial.

Topics

  • DSDSE
  • DSE
  • Data literacy
  • High school
  • next generation science standards
  • NGSS
  • coral reefs
  • coral bleaching
  • ocean warming
  • climate change
  • ecosystem
  • sea surface temperature
  • SST
  • tropical zone
  • latitude
  • cluster analysis
  • clustering
  • k-means
  • data interpretation
  • reef vulnerability
  • scatter plot
  • spreadsheet simulation
  • spreadsheet
  • spreadsheet functions
  • IF function
  • COUNTIF
  • COUNTIFS
  • modeling
  • assumptions
  • evidence