Ocean acidification is the process of a reduction in pH of the ocean due to an increased uptake of CO2 from the atmosphere. This effects the ecosystem by impacting the calcification process for many species (ex: oysters, sea urchins, plankton, and corals) and certain fish’s ability to detect predators. Investigating the chemistry behind this phenomena can give greater insight into how we can protect our oceans. Read and watch the resources below to learn more.
Background Resources to Prepare for Discussion
Consider having students read/watch some or all of these resources before you meet to provide background on the topic.
- Watch one or more videos about ocean acidification:
- Climate change: what is ocean acidification? Explains what is happening to the ocean, what is happening to the organisms, how it is impacting humans, and what can be doneÂ
- Ocean Acidification: Riding the Heat Waves TedxYouth High school student talks about ocean acidification and its implications as well as her research projectÂ
- Bozeman Science Ocean Acidification explains how extra CO2 changes the ocean chemistry and the effects it hasÂ
- Fixing the ocean’s pH problem Talks about some solutions to ocean pH and the problems associated with themÂ
- What is Ocean Acidification? talks about why ocean acidification matters for our future and what we can doÂ
- The Impact of Ocean Acidification on Coral Reefs Explains how ocean acidification occurs and why it is a threat to coral reefsÂ
- Read about ocean acidification from Smithsonian Ocean which outlines what ocean acidification is, its impacts on ocean life, how scientists study it, and what the future holds
- Listen to one of these podcast episodes about ocean acidification:
- NOAA ocean podcast Episode 51: Exploring Ocean Acidification and the Connection Between Acidification, Ocean Warming, and Harmful Algal Blooms: Discusses the problems associated with ocean acidification in coastal AlaskaÂ
- This is science with Jess Phoenix Episode 71: Stressed-out Fish and Ocean Acidification: Consequences of Climate Change Explains how changes in the ocean chemistry are impacting sea life and our economy (stop at 23:01)
Facilitating the Discussion
You may choose to begin your discussion by going through the slide deck with students. Notes for facilitating/presenting can be found in the notes section of the slide deck. Ocean Acidification
Activity Option 1:
- Complete the town hall activity with students as seen in the slide deck
- In person: you will need to make copies of role cards
- Virtual: role cards are at the end of the presentation. For town hall meetings set up breakout rooms for the groups to collaborate
Activity Option 2:
- Use this website to research bodies of water in and around the US focusing on the Physical-chemical tab to see what the pH trends are
- Have them indicate the current pH, discuss reasons for the drop in pH, what organisms it is affecting, and what is happening in the area (good or bad)
- Potentially discuss why are some areas more acidic than others and what can be done to solve this problem.Â
Go through discussion questions
Discussion Questions
- How is carbon dioxide changing ocean chemistry and making it more acidic?
- How is ocean acidification impacting marine life, specifically shellfish?
- What are some solutions to the problem?
- What additional questions do we have about this topic that we’d like to explore further?
- Can we think of any ideas for action projects related to this topic?
Extension Resources
These resources should take students beyond understanding of the issue into locally relevant data and/or action
- NOAA Talks about what ocean acidification is and how it impacts marine organisms
- Teachers Pet Ocean Acidification animation explains the chemistry of ocean acidification and its effect on ocean life
- Website about the about the science of ocean and coastal acidification
- An interactive simulation that explores how humans are altering the ocean chemistry
Related Resources
Note to Chapter Leaders: These resources are available for your use or you may choose to use your own local resources on this topic. We also encourage you to involve student leaders in facilitating lessons and discussions.
