What is Ocean Acidification? Gr. 7-12

Secondary, Middle

Description

The What is Ocean Acidification? research feature provides teachers with background information and climate science focused on the impact of ocean acidification on marine ecosystems and coastal economies. It explores how increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide, primarily from human activity, is lowering ocean pH and reducing the availability of calcium carbonate—a key building block for shellfish. The resource highlights research conducted by scientists studying the link between ocean chemistry, shellfish population declines, and the socioeconomic effects on Atlantic Canadian communities that depend on shellfish fisheries.

Students will:

explore the causes and consequences of ocean acidification through a hands-on investigation
conduct an experiment comparing the effects of acidic, neutral, and basic solutions on shellfish shells
analyze data and pH levels to draw conclusions about how acidification affects marine species
discuss how ocean acidification impacts both ecosystems and human livelihoods
consider future questions and reflect on real-world climate resilience strategies in coastal regions

The resource provides a practical, inquiry-based activity aligned with Canadian curriculum, background information for educators, student worksheets, and discussion questions to enhance understanding of climate science, chemical reactions, and the interconnectedness of environment and economy.

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

This resource is part of a collection of research features which bring local climate change research into the classroom and enable teachers to integrate climate change research into their classrooms through fun, engaging and accessible research topics.

Discover Our Climate resources are relevant to Atlantic Canada and include curriculum-based learning activities designed for grades seven to twelve. Each feature encourages students to be curious and create solutions for the on-going climate challenges we face.

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Alberta
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Themes Addressed

Air, Atmosphere & Climate (1)

Climate Change

Ecosystems (1)

Biodiversity

Land Use & Natural Resources (1)

Fisheries

Water (1)

Marine Environments

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This resource is available directly or for download on the publisher's website. Please follow the directions on the website to access the resource.

Resource Information

Resource Publisher:
Discovery Centre
(View other resources)
Compilation:
Discover Our Climate
(View other resources)
Source of Funding:
Government of Canada and Trottier Family Foundation
Year Published:
2022-06-07
Available languages:
English and French
Additional Resources Required
- 3 transparent jars
- 3 clam, mussel or oyster shells (available at a local seafood restaurant)
- 500 ml of seawater (ocean water, or add 35 grams of salt to a litre of fresh water)
- 500 ml fresh water (tap water)
- 500 ml carbonated water (you can find it at your local grocery store)
- Strips to test the pH (you can find them at a hardware store or grocery store)
- A scale
Cost:
0.00

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What is Ocean Acidification? Gr. 7-12

Secondary, Middle

Description

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

Relevant Curriculum Units

Themes Addressed

Air, Atmosphere & Climate (1)

Ecosystems (1)

Land Use & Natural Resources (1)

Water (1)

Resource Information

Resource Publisher:

Compilation:

Source of Funding:

Year Published:

Available languages:

Additional Resources Required

Cost:

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ExemplaryClassroom Resources

Reviewed By Teachers For Teachers

What is Ocean Acidification? Gr. 7-12

Secondary, Middle

Description

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

Relevant Curriculum Units

Themes Addressed

Air, Atmosphere & Climate (1)

Ecosystems (1)

Land Use & Natural Resources (1)

Water (1)

Resource Information

Resource Publisher:

Compilation:

Source of Funding:

Year Published:

Available languages:

Additional Resources Required

Cost:

Print this review

Exemplary
Classroom
Resources

Reviewed By Teachers
For Teachers