Test 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. Overview of the MACAN Curriculum for Teachers This curriculum was developed by the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Acidification Network (MACAN) to help teachers bring coastal and ocean acidification into the classroom in clear, practical ways. It provides complete lesson plans, hands-on activities, and data-driven investigations that support student inquiry while aligning with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
Designed for high school classrooms, the lessons can be taught as a full unit or selected individually to fit existing course needs. 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. 1 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! 2 Curriculum Overview Curriculum Overview, MACAN Coastal and Ocean Acidification videos The Carbon Cycle Game and CO₂ Sources and Sinks Introduction to Ocean Acidification Hello Title 1 students about title Chemistry of Ocean Acidification Coastal Acidification Biological Impacts Bivalve Data Analysis The Case of the Vanishing Scallops Explore the Curriculum Browse the curriculum lessons below to access complete lesson plans, labs, videos, and student materials.