Ocean Acidification
Provided by: Khan Academy|Published on: June 24, 2022|Last updated: September 26, 2026
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12, AP
Type: Videos
Subjects: Biology, Earth and Space Sciences
Authors: Khan Academy
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 Khan Academy video teaches students about the chemical reactions that occur when the ocean absorbs carbon dioxide from the air, the pH scale, and the effects ocean acidification can have on marine organisms.
- There is an interactive quiz for students to check their understanding about ocean acidification and the pH scale.
Teaching Materials
Positives
- The video does a good job of explaining how carbon dioxide levels have risen in recent centuries because of humans.
- A full transcript of the video is available.
Prerequisites
- Students should be familiar with the pH scale and ions.
Differentiation & Implementation
- Chemistry classes can pause the video at 1:53 and challenge students to solve the chemical equation.
- Math classes could practice calculating the percentage difference between two pH numbers using logarithmic equations.
- Biology classes can use this video when discussing the pH scale, molecular bonds, homeostasis, the properties of water, ocean ecosystems, coral reefs, and chemical reactions.
- Other resources on this topic include this video on the impacts of ocean acidification on marine life,
this video and experiment that shows how acidic environments dissolve calcium bicarbonate, and this experiment and lesson on determining the amount of carbon dioxide in ocean water.
This video offers a detailed look at how increased carbon dioxide levels in the atmopshere are having a direct impact on the acidity of the ocean. Ocean acidification remains a serious consequence of anthropogenic climate change. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
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