Description:
Phytoplankton play a key role in the production of oxygen and the resulting use of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere during photosynthesis. They alter the chemical characteristics of the water due to their biological processes. Because of the short season of light availability in Antarctica, the phytoplankton are profoundly more productive in each 24 hour period than are general oceanic phytoplankton. Therefore, the waters of Antarctica have an important role as a significant carbon dioxide sink. This may prove to be extremely important in light of our greenhouse gases problems.

In this activity, different groups of students test a variety of water samples from sources unknown to them, over time. They speculate about possible causes of changes in the water. By later learning what all the different sources are, students draw conclusions about what affects the chemical characteristics of water. The second part of this activity draws on this knowledge base, as students and implement (optional) an experiment that determines whether or not the time of day (exposure to sunlight) affects the amounts of dissolved oxygen, CO2 and/or pH of the water.

This activity is part of a series called, "Effects of Phytoplankton on Water and Air." Complete list of activity titles in the series:

Secret Agents of Dissolved Oxygen
Carbon Dioxide: The Heat is On
Smog Be Gone

It appears advisable to conduct these activities in sequence. All of them can be found at: http://tea.rice .edu/tea_classroommaterials.html

Organization:
Teachers Experiencing Antarctica and the Arctic
Funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF)

URL:
http://tea.rice.edu/activity/tea_activity_dissolved_o.html

Contact:
Email: glacier@tea.rice.edu; http://tea.rice.edu/

Cost:
Free over the Internet

Education Level:
Grades 9-12

Subject:
Atmosphere
Biology
Carbon Cycle
Chemistry
Greenhouse Effect
Polar Regions

Resource Type:
Internet Site
Curriculum/Instructional Materials
 
 

Date Added to teachearth.com:
5/1/00