WELCOME TO SCIENCE LESSONS THAT ROCK
  • HOME
  • Blog
  • About Me
  • Shop
  • Let's Connect!

Ocean Acidification Lab

2/15/2021

0 Comments

 
Ocean-acidification-lab-science-lesons-that-rock
Earth's oceans are a carbon sink, which is a place where carbon is stored long term. Oceans absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. It reacts with seawater, creating carbonic acid, which in turn lowers the pH of the ocean. This phenomena is known as ocean acidification. It will only get worse as we release more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Oceans currently have a pH of around 8.1, but it is projected to lower to 7.7 by the year 2100.

What is the impact of ocean acidification on marine life?
Research is still being conducted on this, but there are a few things we know for sure. First, organisms that rely on carbonate to build their shells and exoskeletons will have less available. These organisms include coral, mollusks, sea urchins, starfish, and zooplankton to name a few. If they struggle to build shells, they are more likely to be eaten by predators and it can create a trophic cascade up the food chain. Other impacts could include lowering the blood pH of fish, changes in reproductive ability of marine life, and impeding with organisms ability to send chemical signals.

Ocean Acidification Lab
An easy way to show students the impact of ocean acidification on marine life is by soaking seashells in ocean water with various pH levels.
For this lab you will need (per group): 3 cups or beakers, 3 seashells, water, salt, vinegar, an electronic scale, and pH paper. Seashells can be purchased at craft stores, and I've even found them at the dollar store in the craft aisle.
Ocean-acidification-lab-seashells
Start by mixing up simulated ocean water (3.5% saltwater solution). Students will put ocean water in the first beaker, 75mL of ocean water and 25mL of vinegar in the second beaker, and 50mL ocean water and 50mL of vinegar in the third beaker. Next, have students take the mass of the seashells over the course of 3 days and calculate the percent change in mass. They will see the vinegar eat away at the seashell and a large reduction in mass. You can also have them measure the pH of the liquids over 3 days and see how it changes as carbonate is released (enter discussion on buffers!)
impact-of-ocean-acidification-on-marine-life
Following the activity you can discuss ways students can lower their carbon footprint so we can slow the rate of acidification in the future. If you are interested in a powerpoint lesson on ocean acidification and a lab write up for this activity, you can find it HERE.
Picture
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Picture

    Becca 
    The face behind Science Lessons That Rock

    I'm a teacher, blogger, and curriculum writer.
    I've been teaching science for 12 years at both the middle and high school levels.

    Categories

    All
    A List Of ALL Blog Posts
    Back To School
    Biochemistry
    Cells
    Chemistry
    Classroom Decor
    Classroom Management
    Distance Learning
    Ecology
    End Of The School Year
    Evolution
    Experiments
    Field Trips
    Forensics
    Formative Assessment
    For NEW Teachers
    FREE Stuff
    Fun Stuff
    Genetics
    Geology
    GIveaways
    Holidays
    Literacy
    Media In The Classroom
    Metrics
    Microscopes
    Physics
    Plate Tectonics
    Projects
    STEM
    Sustainability
    Teacher Tips
    Test Prep
    Water
    Weather And Climate

    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly
  • HOME
  • Blog
  • About Me
  • Shop
  • Let's Connect!