Purpose: In this Ocean Acidification experiment you will be making a model of an ocean. This experiment will allow you to understand how climate change effects the ocean. You will be adding different components in the “ocean” and see how the process acidifies the water. Last you will analyze and discuss its effects on the health of marine life and the environment.
Marerials:
- 2 measuring containers (glass)
- Water heater (stove)
- Water
- Ice
- Dry ice
- Salt
- Bromophenol blue
- Straw
- Antacid tablet
Safety:
- Rubber gloves (past wrist)
- googles
- Apren
Optinal:
- Internet guidence
1. Make an “ocean” by pouring water in a container and adding a pinch of salt.
2. Add Bromophenol blue, the color of the water will turn yellow if it is acidic, if not then it should stay blue.
3. Add a piece of dry ice to the “ocean” and watch as the color turns from blue to yellow.
4. Explain that as the dry ice sublimates, CO2 bubbles enter the ocean, which would make it more acidic.
5. Repeat the whole experiment, BUT instead of adding dry ice, use a straw to blow CO2 into the water. You should see the same results in the color change.