Lesson overview

One of the most used data sets to show the trend in ocean acidification over the past 20 years is from the Hawaii Ocean Time-series. Students will use real data from a series of research ‘cruises’ to analyse the information and identify trends. There are options to use ICT to examine the data set, as well as using print outs of graphs and data tables.

Learning outcomes

• Understand the use of data in geographical enquiry
• Create a graph from a data set
• Interpret data and draw conclusions

Lesson steps

1. Why use this data set? (10 mins)
   It has only been in the past few years that ocean acidification has been researched more. There are few data sets that show how carbon dioxide has affected the pH of the oceans over a period of time. Use the Hawaii Ocean Time-series factsheet to discuss long-term data on ocean acidification.
2. Data exercise (40 mins)
   Use the annual mean data from the Hawaii Ocean Time-series.
   Option 1 (with access to computers): ask students to answer basic questions, draw and interpret graphs based on the data.
   Option 2 (no access to computers, print out activity sheets): ask students to answer basic questions about data sets and interpret the graphs.
3. Reflection (5 mins)
   Ask students to discuss future scenarios if the trend continues and do independent research to prepare for the last lesson (conference in the classroom).

England

GCSE Geography

• Locational knowledge
  Appreciation of different spatial and political contexts Recognition of important links and inter-relationships between places and environments at a range of scales from local to global.

• Maps, fieldwork and geographical skills
  Interpretation and analysis of data, including the application of appropriate qualitative and statistical techniques.
  The effective presentation, communication, and evaluation of data.
  The ability to draw well-evidenced and informed conclusions about geographical questions and issues.

• Place: processes and relationships
  Environmental challenges of the Arctic.
  The relationship of the Arctic with the wider world.
  Importance of the oceans.

• Physical geography: processes and change The spatial and temporal characteristics, of climatic change and evidence for different causes, including human activity.

• People and environment: processes and interactions
  An overview of the distribution and characteristics of the Arctic region, including the processes and interactions that operate within the Arctic at different scales.

USA

National Geography Standards Grades 9-12

• The Uses of Geography
  Standard 17: How to apply geography to interpret the past.
  Standard 18: How to apply geography to interpret the present and plan for the future.
• The World in Spatial Terms
  Standard 1: How to use maps and other geographic representations, tools, and technologies to acquire, process, and report information from a spatial perspective.