Ocean Acidification
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Provided by: BioInteractive|Published on: August 13, 2021
Activity - ClassroomScientist Reviewed
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Scientist Reviewed This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
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
Teaching Materials
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
About the Partner Provider
BioInteractive
BioInteractive brings the power of real science stories into tens of thousands of high school and undergraduate life science classrooms.
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
