What Is Ocean Acidification and How Does It Affect Marine Life?
Videos
Grades9, 10, 11, 12Chemistry, Biology
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Provided by Rutgers Climate Institute
What it is
- This video briefly reviews the basics of ocean acidification and its effects on marine animals.
- Scientists at Rutgers University also discuss the impact of ocean acidification on local shellfish resources.
Teaching tips
Positives
- This video is a great way for students to learn how ocean acidification may affect their local environment.
- The video examines how the pH of the ocean has decreased over time and how it may continue to change over the next decade.
Prerequisites
- It may be helpful for students to already have an understanding of the pH scale.
- This video goes more in-depth about the effects of ocean acidification rather than the causes of the phenomenon. Therefore, it is recommended that students already have some knowledge of ocean acidification.
Differentiation & Implementation
- Economics classes could evaluate how ocean acidification can impact the shellfish industry and brainstorm solutions to support fisherman.
- Chemistry classes could investigate the chemical processes involved in ocean acidification.
- Other resources on this topic include this video introduction to ocean acidification, this ocean acidification lab, and this video about shellfish and ocean acidification.
From the scientist review
This video highlights the implications of ocean acidification on marine resources, including a reduction in shellfish, sea scallops, and other species. It has been proven scientifically that the increase of dissolved CO2 in the oceans has intensified ocean acidification, and this can cause a rapid perturbation in marine food webs. This resource is recommended for teaching.
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