Ocean Protector

Understanding ocean and coastal acidification through game-based learning

OA Start

Past Ocean pH ~8.2 (1861)

Link to NOAA Data Model
OA End

Future Ocean pH ~7.8 (2100)

Link to NOAA Data Model
OA Screenshot

Screenshot from Ocean Protector

This game screenshot is showing a zoomed in view of a healthy tuna school. Through the game, students will explore how these fish and other marine life are impacted by ocean acidification as they make analytical decisions and evaluate the outcomes to their choices in real-time.

Engaging for students.

Augmented for educators.

Ocean Protector is a free online educational game that teaches students about the impacts of ocean acidification and how they can take action to prevent it.

Through a series of interactive decisions and evaluations, students will learn about the causes and effects of ocean acidification and evaluate solutions that can help reduce its impact on marine ecosystems and people.

This decision-driven experience helps students construct explanations, reason effectively, and become self-directed learners involving marine science and ocean literacy.

The game can be played in the browser with the button below or downloaded via game-hosting site STEAM.com (external site).

Educator Resources

Educators Guide

A guide to lesson plans, background information, and tips and strategies for using this program in the classroom.

View/Download PDF

Science Standards

A guide to understanding how this educational program supports the NGSS and three dimensional learning using an example for middle school standards.

View/Download PDF

Module Integration

There are many ways to integrate the lessons from this program into a unit or course. One example, aimed at middle school teachers, is provided here.

View/Download PDF

Usage Data

View usage statistics to inform how students are progressing and learning the material with this program. Note, all data is anonymous.

Go to Google Sheets Report

Expanded Learning

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has a plethora of fantastic educator-ready materials covering Ocean Acidification and many other ocean topics.

Go to 'NOAA Data in the Classroom'

Source Code

Curious about the code that runs this game program? NOAA funded the development of Ocean Protector, which allows the code to be openly available for educational purposes!

View program source code