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Ocean Acidification

Provided by: BioInteractive |Published on: August 13, 2021

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Synopsis

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.

Subjects: Chemistry, Biology, Earth and Space Sciences, Mathematics

Authors: BioInteractive

Region: Global

Languages: English

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.

Scientist Notes

Teaching Tips

Standards

Resource Type and Format