1. Cause and Effect: Students can explore the cause-and-effect relationships between various factors (e.g., CO₂ absorption, upwelling, freshwater inputs, eutrophication) and changes in coastal water pH.
2. Systems and System Models: Students can analyze the complex system of coastal ecosystems and how changes in one component (e.g., pH) can affect other components (e.g., marine organisms).
3. Energy and Matter: Students can examine the role of energy transfer and matter cycling in coastal ecosystems, including the impact of CO₂ on ocean chemistry.

4. ESS2.A: Earth Materials and Systems: Students can investigate the composition and structure of Earth's systems, including the role of oceans in regulating climate and absorbing CO₂.

5.ESS2.C: The Role of Water in Earth's Systems: Students can explore the water cycle and how human activities, such as pollution and climate change, can impact water quality and ecosystems.

6. ESS3.A: Natural Resources: Students can analyze the impact of human activities on natural resources, such as overfishing and pollution, and how these activities can contribute to coastal acidification.

7. LS2.A: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems: Students can examine the relationships between organisms and their environment, including how changes in pH can affect marine ecosystems.

8. LS2.B: Cycling of Matter and Energy in Ecosystems: Students can explore the flow of energy and matter through ecosystems, including the role of carbon in photosynthesis and respiration.

1. Introduce the lesson by allowing students to predict where acidification is more impactful (open ocean vs. coasts).
2. As a class, watch animation. Ask students how they might revise their response to the Do Now.
3. For slides 3-4: distribute a copy of the text printout of the infographic so the students may more clearly read the information.  Assign (or allow students to choose) a number between 1-6.  They will then read about that factor silently, briefly paraphrase in their notebooks, and then share with other members of their group.
4. Slides 6-13: Teacher will choose whether to share this information as direct instruction, or allow students to extract the information from the two handouts.
5. Data Analysis: Following the instructions on the worksheet, students will identify factors that can affect ocean acidity, analyze data to observe seasonal trends in pH, and explain how seasonal changes in factors like upwelling and biological activity can influence pH levels.
6. If time allows, close the lesson with a discussion: What are the societal implications of coastal acidification, including its potential impacts on local economies (e.g., fishing industries) and coastal ecosystems. Consider the four categories of ecosystem services.