Ocean Acidification: Is There a Problem? Robert M Flores Anaheim HS
Background Approximately 3,300 Students 70% Free/Reduced Lunch 99% Latin Population Earth Science Approximately 135 students Includes ELL, SpEd and At Risk Students
Rationale Fits nicely with Oceanography Unit Wanted to extend the Carbon Cycle Relevant current event that student can connect with Ocean Acidification: recently has become “news worthy!”
Strengths Webquest includes a large number of resources Those resources presented information via different modalities (example, text and video) pH lab was super visual and kinesthetic
Lesson Lesson is essentially 4 parts Webquest Prediction (Hypothesis) Plot pH of Worlds Oceans Lab: CO2 changes pH of water
Lesson Lesson is essentially 4 parts Webquest Prediction (Hypothesis) Plot pH of Worlds Oceans Lab: CO2 changes pH of water
Day 4Lesson: Modifications 1) Involved having student blowing through a straw into a beaker (Zip-lock bag of water) and measuring pH change. 2) Involved dropping a shell into vinegar. I didn’t have access to seashells. Used eggs (explained that seashells are made out of the same materials as chicken eggs). Also used chalk as a substitute for sea shells
Extension I felt like students were missing some of the connections to the lesson so….. 1) Students had to write an evidence-based claim on the cause and oceanic effect of CO2 emissions. Guided with selected articles which varied depending on the reader. 2) Needed to calculate their carbon foot print and come up with an action plan to reduce their carbon foot print. http://www.epa.gov/climatestudents/calc/index.html#cal c=instructions
Extension: Public Awareness Student were tasked to get the word out about Ocean Acidification. I wanted them to take ownership and spread the word. We had a mini symposium in the classroom. Output: Commercial “Oprah” style interview Song Brochures Webpage design
Ideas for next time Investigate Earth’s historic climate Is climate change a pattern? Lab: Using Foraminifera Data as a clue into Earth’s Historic climate