Ocean Acidification

• 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.
  

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.

This resource addresses the listed standards. To fully meet standards, search for more related resources.