Antarctica in the Classroom
Science, Technology, Engineering & Math Curriculum
Module 2 - Ocean Acidification
Ocean acidification is a much lesser known effect of increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Oceans absorb up to 30% of the CO2 in the atmosphere. Once in the water, CO2 reacts with water to create carbonic acid lowering the pH of oceans and affecting shellfish, fish, and corals and the balance of their associated food webs.
There is no "quick fix" for ocean acidification; knowledge of the effects of people’s carbon footprint is essential to help minimize the ongoing problem. In this unit, we'll look at the remoteness of the Antarctic region and how it highlights how the effects of ocean acidification felt all around the world, including in unpopulated areas. With a focus on solutions, the unit will also discuss present day technologies and solutions.
Lesson 1
Learning Objectives
IDENTIFY what the carbon cycle is
DESCRIBE the sources and stores of carbon in the carbon cycle
EXPLAIN the processes used to transfer carbon stores through the carbon cycle
Resources
Lesson 2
Learning Objectives
IDENTIFY the term global warming
DESCRIBE the difference between global warming and climate change
EXPLAIN the effect greenhouse gases have on global warming using a lab example
CONNECT and apply human activity to a rise in global temperatures
Resources
Lesson 3
Learning Objectives
IDENTIFY what the pH scale is and its purpose
DETERMINE the pH of some everyday substances
EXPLAIN various ways to identify the pH of substances
ANALYZE the pH of water samples using universal indicator paper
Resources
Lesson 4
Learning Objectives
IDENTIFY the process of ocean acidification
DESCRIBE how carbon dioxide can increase the acidity of water
DESCRIBE how the production of carbon dioxide by human activity is linked to ocean acidification
EXPLAIN the effect ocean acidification has on plants and animals in the ocean
Resources
Lesson 5
Learning Objectives
IDENTIFY what the term carbon footprint means
DESCRIBE how carbon footprint is linked to global warming and ocean acidification
EXPLAIN how some solutions-led technologies are helping reduce the carbon footprint of people
INTEGRATE knowledge of carbon footprint and solutions-led technologies to educate others on how to help
Resources