This hands-on experiment aims to help children understand the concept of ocean acidification, a critical issue affecting marine ecosystems. By using simple household items, kids will conduct a series of experiments to observe the effects of increased acidity on a model ocean environment. This experiment is suitable for children aged 5-11, with varying levels of complexity based on their age and understanding.
Exploring Ocean Acidification: DIY Acid-Base Testing STEM Kid Experiment
Supplies needed:
-Clear plastic containers or glass jars (2-3)
-Seashells (cleaned and dry)
-White vinegar (vinegar-water solution)
-Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
-Water
-Food coloring (optional)
-pH test strips or a pH indicator solution (red cabbage juice works well)
-Small containers or cups for mixing solutions
–Safety goggles (recommended for older children)
Instructions:
Step 1: Place the clear containers or glass jars on a table.
Step 2: Fill one container with water, representing ocean water. If desired, add a few drops of blue food coloring to simulate ocean water.
Step 3: Test the pH of the ocean water using pH test strips or your pH indicator solution. Record the initial pH value.
Step 4: In a separate container, prepare a solution of vinegar and water. Start with a 50:50 ratio of water to vinegar.
Step 5: Gently place a seashell in the container with the vinegar solution. Ensure that the seashell is fully submerged.
Step 6: Observe the seashell over several hours, or even overnight. Record any changes you notice in the appearance and texture of the seashell.
Step 7: After a suitable amount of time has passed, carefully remove the seashell from the vinegar solution, rinse it with water, and let it dry.
Step 8: Test the pH of the vinegar solution in the container, and record its pH value.
Step 9: Fill another container with water to represent the ocean.
Step 10: Add a small amount of baking soda to the water. Stir gently until the baking soda dissolves. This solution represents an attempt to counteract the effects of ocean acidification.
Step 11: Test the pH of the water with the baking soda, and record the pH value.
Step 12: Compare the initial pH of ocean water with the pH of the vinegar solution (acidified ocean) and the pH of the water with baking soda (counteracted ocean acidification). Discuss the differences.
Step 13: Discuss how ocean acidification affects marine life, especially creatures like seashells, which depend on calcium carbonate to build their shells.
Step 14: Talk about the importance of maintaining a balanced ocean pH and how human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and releasing carbon dioxide, contribute to ocean acidification.
Step 16: Encourage children to brainstorm ideas on how they can help reduce the impacts of ocean acidification in their daily lives.
Snap a pic and show us how it’s done! We’d love to see you try out this experiment. If you do, tag us on Facebook or Instagram!
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