Ocean Acidification
Lesson Plan by Elizabeth Johnstone and Malana Tabak

This lesson focuses on Ocean Acidification and the impact on Earth’s oceans. Students will learn about the chemistry changes associated with increased Carbon Dioxide dissolving in the sea. This lesson invites students to use shells (or any item(s) made of calcium carbonate) in three different treatments with a range of pH. They will observe, describe, measure and weigh the specimens before and after the experiment.
  • The goal of this lesson is to introduce students to Ocean Acidification and associated impacts.
  • As an introduction, the teacher should present a short (~15mins) PowerPoint, Ocean Acidification PowerPoint, to the students to provide background information about ocean acidification. Following the lecture, the students should start the introductory laboratory called Ocean Acidification Laboratory.
  • On day one (week 1), students are asked to gather supplies and make observations about the shells. Three tables provide students an opportunity to make their own measurements and will need to illustrate their observations. Part II requires the students to answer questions about their observations.
  • On day 2, students will prepare solutions with three treatments: basic, neutral, and acidic.
  • On day 3 (week 2), students will filter treatments through coffee filters to collect their sample shells. Each shell should be sketched, weighed and measured. If available, student can photograph their shells to observe the pre- and post-condition of their samples.
  • This laboratory requires the teacher to acquire some shells (or some item made from calcium carbonate). Also, the students benefit greatly from looking at the shells under a microscope before and after the experiment. The three treatments should be made up of salt/seawater (basic), distilled water (neutral), and a vinegar/water mix (acidic). The students should have access to scales and rulers for comparison of samples pre- and post- treatment.
  • A great documentary is available on the subject at: http://www.aseachange.net/ .
  • This activity was developed for use in a high school (grades 9-12)Earth Science, Oceanography or Marine science class. It is also appropriate for an introductory level college geoscience class. The goal of this lesson is to introduce students to Ocean Acidification and associated impacts. Lesson duration: Approximately 1-3 days of 90 minute class periods.
  • Students should be briefed on the basic chemistry involved in the CO2 cycle and and how carbon dioxide enters the ocean and is converted to different chemical species. Also there is a video describing the impacts on different environments that is available for purchase online (http://www.aseachange.net/ ).

Coral Bleaching


Ocean Acidification

Lesson Specifics
  • Grade Level: High school (grades 9-12) Earth Science, Oceanography or Marine science class. It is also appropriate for an introductory level college geoscience class.
  • Time Frame: 1-3 days of 90 minute class periods.

Scripps Pier

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