The purpose of Lesson 5c is for students to model systems approaches as they learn about today’s scientific process. Specifically, students will use mathematical and computer-based modeling to make predictions.

The purpose of this lesson is to set the stage for students to begin a collaborative, systems study of ocean acidification (OA). Understanding that OA is a global problem that has positive and negative impacts on many groups in many ways makes it a hotly debated, political topic.

The oceans cover 70 percent of the planet and play a critical role in regulating atmospheric carbon dioxide through the interaction of physical, chemical, and biological processes. As a result of anthropogenic activity, a doubling of the atmospheric CO2 concentration (to 760 ppm) is expected to occur by the end of this century.