The Buffer Zone: Acid-Base Chemistry in the World's Oceans



This resource features an experiential learning approach that examines the effects of global warming on marine environments. Students apply introductory acid-base theory (including conjugate acids/bases and buffers) in an experiment to simulate ocean acidification resulting from the absorption of atmospheric carbon dioxide.  They then discuss the implications of their findings. As a culminating activity, students read a scientific article describing the toll of global warming on coral reefs and reflect on the scientific processes used to gather information on the impacts of climate change on this habitat.

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