Weather Makers - Understanding ocean acidification

Weather Makers - Understanding ocean acidification

Lesson 9 of 15 in this unit

  • Secondary
  • Year 9 - 10
  • Science
  • Environmental
  • Climate Change
  • Conservation
  • Oceans
  • ...

Lesson summary

Students investigate the process of ocean acidification, and in particular the role of water temperature in CO2 absorption. They begin the activity by looking at an image describing ocean acidification and responding to associated questions. They are then asked to design an experiment aimed at demonstrating the role of water temperature in CO2 absorption. Students will then summarise their knowledge of ocean acidification in the form or an advertising campaign.

These activities “… are an invaluable tool for teachers to address climate change in an educationally relevant, scientifically sound, and action-­based way.” – Tim Flannery (Read more)

Learning intentions:

Students will...

  • understand how CO2 is absorbed by sea water
  • design and conduct and experiment to demonstrate the role of water temperature in CO2 absorption
  • understand the cause and consequences of ocean acidification.

Lesson guides and printables

Lesson Plan
Student Worksheet

Lesson details

Curriculum mapping

Australian Curriculum content descriptions:

Year 10 Science:

  • Global systems, including the carbon cycle, rely on interactions involving the biosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere (ACSSU189)

Syllabus OutcomesSC5-12ES

Time required: 60 mins

Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium – oversee activity.

Resources Required

  • Internet access student worksheets
  • Optional: soft drinks and ice.
  • Key reading from We Are the Weather Makers: Chapter 3 – The Greenhouse Gases
  • Further reading from the book: Chapter 19 – How Can They Keep On Moving, Chapter 15 – Rising Waters

Additional info

Cool Australia would like to acknowledge:

  • Tim Flannery
  • David Harding, Rose Iser, Sally Stevens
  • Text Publishing and Purves Environmental Fund
  • Climate Council
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