1. Ocean Acidification: Is There a Problem?
Robert M Flores
Anaheim HS

2. Background Approximately 3,300 Students 70% Free/Reduced Lunch
99% Latin Population
Earth Science
Approximately 135 students
Includes ELL, SpEd and At Risk Students

3. 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!”

4. 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

5. Lesson Lesson is essentially 4 parts Webquest Prediction (Hypothesis)
Plot pH of Worlds Oceans
Lab: CO2 changes pH of water

6. Lesson Lesson is essentially 4 parts Webquest Prediction (Hypothesis)
Plot pH of Worlds Oceans
Lab: CO2 changes pH of water

7. 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

8. 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. c=instructions

9. 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

10. 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