Overview and Purpose
MACAN (the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Acidification Network) is a network of researchers, educators, decision-makers, industry representatives, policy experts, and federal, state, local, and tribal leaders whose mission is to advance knowledge and understanding of the effects of coastal and ocean acidification (COA) and promote regional collaboration to advance this knowledge.
This “Coastal Acidification in the Classroom” curriculum was created to provide teachers and students with ready-to-use resources and activities to explore ocean and coastal acidification.
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
Ocean acidification is an excellent lens to apply the skills and concepts promoted by NGSS, a set of scientific teaching and learning objectives embraced by schools across the country. This curriculum offers opportunities for student inquiry as they explore the crosscutting concepts, science and engineering practices, and disciplinary core ideas described in the Next Generation Science Standards.
How to Use This Curriculum
Curriculum Scope and Learning Focus
This curriculum provides an in-depth exploration of coastal and ocean acidification (COA). It begins with the carbon cycle and underlying causes of ocean acidification, considers how these initial changes in atmosphere lead to changes in ocean water quality, and investigates the results of these changes on Mid-Atlantic marine species and coastal habitats.
There are a variety of student-led investigations and opportunities for data analysis. This allows students to practice valuable inquiry skills, transferable to many types of scientific investigations. This curriculum is geared toward high school students, with tools for differentiation embedded in each unit.
Classroom-Ready and Flexible Design
This curriculum was developed by teachers and informal educators with the contributions of experts in this scientific field. Thus it includes complete, modifiable lesson plans, slide presentations, student worksheets and answer keys, complete and accessible supply lists, and more.
While in certain electives, a teacher may wish to use this series of lessons in its entirety, we recognize that curricular restraints may only allow a teacher to use a few of these lessons in core science classes. This will work. Please refer to the table of contents and summaries below, to determine which lessons are most useful in your classroom!
Dive into Ocean Acidification Curriculum for High School students! The Mid-Atlantic Coastal Acidification Curriculum was developed in partnership with the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (CBNERR-VA) in 2021. MACAN's education fellow, Jennifer Porcheddu, recently updated all five curriculum modules to meet Next Generation Science Standards and provide options for differentiation and assessment. She also incorporated teacher feedback from recent Teachers on the Estuary (TOTES) workshops and professional development workshops hosted by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation. During this webinar, you'll get to experience a new interactive lesson plan focused on data discovery and the biological impacts of ocean acidification on bay scallops. Jennifer presented this updated curriculum to high school teachers and informal science educators at the National Marine Educators Association conference this past summer, and she is excited to now share her work with you!
Curriculum Overview
Curriculum Overview, MACAN Coastal and Ocean Acidification videos
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.
The Carbon Cycle Game and CO₂ Sources and Sinks
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.
Introduction to Ocean Acidification
Students explore how increased atmospheric CO₂ changes ocean pH and water chemistry. Demonstrations and guided activities help introduce the foundational processes behind ocean acidification.
Chemistry of Ocean Acidification
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.
Combustion Lab
Students observe how combustion produces CO₂ and leads to measurable changes in pH. This lab visually connects chemical reactions to changes in water acidity.
LEGO Build-a-Shell Lab
Students use LEGO models to simulate shell formation and explore how lower pH interferes with calcification. The activity helps connect chemistry concepts to biological impacts.
Coastal Acidification
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.
Biological Impacts
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.
Bivalve Data Analysis
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.
The Case of the Vanishing Scallops
Students investigate the decline of bay scallop populations through a real-world case study. The lesson highlights the challenges of identifying causes in complex environmental systems.
The Case of the Vanishing Scallops
Students use articles, videos, podcasts, and data to explore what happened to bay scallop populations. Multiple sources help students evaluate evidence from different perspectives.
Experimental Design
Students review the scientific method and apply it to design experiments. They use this process to test possible causes of scallop population decline.
Get Involved
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