Ocean Acidification
Activity - Classroom
Grades6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12Chemistry, Biology, Earth and Space Sciences, Mathematics
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Provided by BioInteractive
What it is
- In this experiment, students will learn about the pH scale, use pH paper in the experiment, and learn about the role of atmospheric CO2 in ocean acidification.
- Students will also predict the effects of ocean acidification on marine ecosystems and use the data collected from the experiment to determine the CO2 content of their "seawater".
- There is a poster, student materials, and a teacher's guide provided for the experiment.
Teaching tips
Positives
- It allows students to actively add carbon dioxide to water using their breath, offering a link to other class topics such as cellular respiration.
- Through this exercise, students practice the steps of the scientific method.
Additional Prerequisites
- The teacher should prepare the materials for the experiment ahead of time, but note that a water pump is not required to mix the salt into the water.
Differentiation
- Students work in pairs to complete the experiment.
- This lab exercise could easily be incorporated into chemistry, biology, Earth science, or environmental science classes.
- Biology students could further explore organisms that are sensitive to pH changes and create a poster or presentation about it.
- You could extend the activity and have students write a short essay about how we can curb ocean acidification and protect marine life.
- Other resources about ocean acidification include this video about saving coral reefs and this brief video from Rutgers Climate Institute.
From the scientist review
The resource provides a practical guide to simulate ocean acidification in relation to rising levels of atmospheric CO2. This procedure can be replicated. Hence, the resource is valid and recommended for teaching.
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