Ocean Acidification
Provided by: MIT OpenCourseWare|Published on: November 30, 2022|Last updated: September 26, 2026
Grades: 10, 11, 12, AP
Type: Videos
Subjects: Chemistry, Biology
Authors: Professor Jeffrey Grossman
Location: Earth
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This brief video lecture explains the chemistry behind the effects of ocean acidification on some marine organisms.
- The lecturer discusses the effects of increasing carbonic acid in the ocean from the increasing amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and the resulting dissolution of calcium carbonate shells.
Teaching Materials
Positives
- This resource is a great example of how changing chemistry in nature can affect species and ecosystems.
- The lecturer walks students through the process while also explaining the reactions visually.
Additional Prerequisites
- The video is from a university lecture and some content may be copyrighted.
- Before watching the video, students should understand concepts like chemical equations, chemical bonds, molecules, and pH.
Differentiation
- This resource will likely be most useful for biology and chemistry students learning about pH, chemical reactions, and ocean acidification.
- Have science students consider the role of climate change and greenhouse gas emissions in ocean acidification and the ability of marine organisms to survive in the future.
- Have students consider the impacts of increasing ocean acidification on ecosystems and humans, as the oceans provide a significant amount of oxygen and food that people rely on and they regulate our climate.
- Use this video to learn more about the effects of ocean acidification on marine organisms.
This module on solid-state chemistry explains the effect of acidification on marine resources and the ocean. It computes the chemical reaction of carbonic acid in water molecules and projects the impact it will have on the future of our world's ocean. There is an urgent need to limit CO2 emissions from human activities in order to reduce the amount of CO2 the ocean uptakes. The module is comprehensive, insightful and recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
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