An inquiry-based lesson where students investigate if ocean acidification and ocean warming affect the behavior and survival of stone crab larvae published in 2024. A full toolkit to be released in fall 2026.
Students examine data on Mid-Atlantic species to understand how decreasing pH affects growth, reproduction, and survival. They connect changes in chemistry to impacts on living organisms.
This lesson engages students in investigating declining bay scallop populations while exploring the scientific method and experimental design. Students analyze data, build critical thinking skills, and examine coastal acidification’s impacts on biological species. In Part 2, students apply the scientific method to investigate the bay scallop mystery by reviewing key steps, conducting research, developing hypotheses,
Students work individually and in groups to analyze data related to bivalve health. The lesson focuses on interpreting evidence and drawing conclusions about the effects of dissolved CO₂.
Students compare ocean and coastal acidification using data and infographics. The lesson emphasizes how estuaries and coastal waters experience different conditions than the open ocean.
MACAN: Coastal Acidification in the Classroom Toolkit Section 5 – Coastal Acidification Read More »
Through hands-on lab activities, students investigate the chemical reactions that drive ocean acidification. These labs also introduce how changes in chemistry affect shell formation in marine organisms.
Students explore how increased carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and local processes change ocean chemistry. Demonstrations and guided activities introduce the foundational processes behind acidification.
Students learn how carbon moves through Earth’s systems and how emissions affect atmospheric CO₂. An interactive game helps reinforce sources and sinks through hands-on participation.
This section introduces the curriculum and key concepts in ocean acidification through background reading and short videos. It includes NGSS-aligned questions and transcripts that can be used in class or for flipped learning.
Check out all of the news and visual webstories produced by the NOAA Ocean Acidification Program.
Ocean Acidification Program News Read More »
Understanding seasonal changes in ocean acidification in Alaskan waters and the potential impacts to the multi-billion-dollar fishery sector is a main priority. Through work funded by NOAA’s Ocean Acidification Program, the Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory developed a model capable of depicting past ocean chemistry conditions for the Bering Sea and is now testing the ability of this model to forecast future conditions. This model is being used to develop an ocean acidification indicator provided to fisheries managers in the annual NOAA Eastern Bering Sea Ecosystem Status Report.
The NOAA Ocean Acidification Program (OAP) works to prepare society to adapt to the consequences of ocean acidification and conserve marine ecosystems as acidification occurs. Learn more about the human connections and adaptation strategies from these efforts.
Adaptation approaches fostered by the OAP include:
Using models and research to understand the sensitivity of organisms and ecosystems to ocean acidification to make predictions about the future, allowing communities and industries to prepare
Using these models and predictions as tools to facilitate management strategies that will protect marine resources and communities from future changes
Developing innovative tools to help monitor ocean acidification and mitigate changing ocean chemistry locally
Drive fuel-efficient vehicles or choose public transportation. Choose your bike or walk! Don't sit idle for more than 30 seconds. Keep your tires properly inflated.
Eat local- this helps cut down on production and transport! Reduce your meat and dairy. Compost to avoid food waste ending up in the landfill
Make energy-efficient choices for your appliances and lighting. Heat and cool efficiently! Change your air filters and program your thermostat, seal and insulate your home, and support clean energy sources
Reduce your use of fertilizers, Improve sewage treatment and run off, and Protect and restore coastal habitats
You've taken the first step to learn more about ocean acidification - why not spread this knowledge to your community?
Every community has their unique culture, economy and ecology and what’s at stake from ocean acidification may be different depending on where you live. As a community member, you can take a larger role in educating the public about ocean acidification. Creating awareness is the first step to taking action. As communities gain traction, neighboring regions that share marine resources can build larger coalitions to address ocean acidification. Here are some ideas to get started: