Developing A Case Study to Teach Ocean Acidification

• Main Author: Mendoza, Vanessa
• Format: Text
• Language: unknown
• Published: Dominican Scholar 2017
• Subjects: Environmental Education; Marine Biology; Limacina helicina; Ocean acidification
• Online Access: https://scholar.dominican.edu/scw/scw2017/all-conference/129

Case studies are often used to supplement knowledge discussed in class by encouraging students to seek out information to explain issues. I developed a case study on ocean acidification for general education environmental science classes. Ocean chemistry is not typically discussed in detail, therefore my goal was to explain ocean acidification with relevant examples taken from news articles and primary literature. Phase one of the case study introduced the topic using a general overview of ocean chemistry and pH. Phase two included historical industrialization data of CO2 emissions and pH values for analysis. The final phase provided an article on ocean acidification effects on a marine snail, the sea butterfly (Limacina helicina), to help students understand the potential biological implications for organisms. Currently, we are testing the usefulness of this case study. Anecdotally, we believe this case study engaged students while expanding their knowledge of ocean acidification, the environmental consequences, and what steps can be taken to address these concerns in the future.