Carbon Dioxide and Ocean Acidification
Initial Publication Date: June 20, 2013
Summary
Demonstrates the affect of increased dissolved carbon dioxide on water pH using a cheap, non-toxic acid/base indicator. Students bubble breath through a straw into red cabbage juice and note the color change.
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Context
Audience
Introductory oceanography or physical science course
Skills and concepts that students must have mastered
Basic understanding of pH and acid/base indicators. Basic understanding of the respiration reaction.
How the activity is situated in the course
Stand alone demonstration in lecture or lab.
Goals
Content/concepts goals for this activity
Solubility of carbon dioxide and its influence on water pH.
Higher order thinking skills goals for this activity
Formulation of a hypothesis and collecting and synthesizing observations.
Other skills goals for this activity
Working in groups.
Description and Teaching Materials
See attached supporting materials.
Carbon Dioxide and Ocean Acidification (Acrobat (PDF) 57kB Jun20 13)
Carbon Dioxide and Ocean Acidification (Acrobat (PDF) 57kB Jun20 13)
Teaching Notes and Tips
See attached.
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Assessment
Observation of group results.
References and Resources
Included in activity sheet.