The Ocean of Tomorrow
Ocean Acidification and the Marine World
Produced by the New Zealand Marine Studies Centre, University of Otago, this unit of work is aimed at year 10 science students. Some activities may be adapted for year 9 students or extended for senior students. The resource material and activities have strong practical links to the key competencies as well as to a wide range of achievement objectives at level 4 and 5.
The unit provides an introduction to the global interdisciplinary nature of the science, the problem and the solutions. It can be used as springboard to enquire into predictions and present and potential consequences, and actions individuals, communities and nations can engage in to reduce future increases in ocean acidification.
Click on the link to download the PDF of the resource now, and you can also visit the NZ Marine Studies website here for related resources.
Notes for Teachers
This resource is designed to help teachers and educators deliver lessons in the classroom that focus on the impact of climate change and more specifically ocean acidification on the marine environment. The material is organised with background information, instructions to carry out the investigations and data forms for the students to record their results. There are 5 lessons that could be carried out in a classroom or science lab.
The lessons should be delivered in order, as each one builds on the learning from the previous lesson. The lessons are generally designed to fit within a 50 minute period, although Lesson 2 will required a double period. Lessons 2 and 5 will also require the collection of tidepool species and seawater in advance. Two independent research projects have been included along with ideas for extension. These ideas could provide the basis for homework assignments, keep students busy when they are waiting for the completion of the experiments or provide additional challenges for interested students. The activities could also form the basis of a science fair project
