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

Question	Response
To enhance this resource the following changes would be beneficial:	Provide action opportunities for students. Include notes on lab safety, the use of pH strips and meters, and suggested alkalinity test liquids Encourage teachers to make laminated colored strips for the pH indicator chart Provide a rubric for assessment Invite a marine biologist to discuss the value of coral reefs as a food and medicinal source Provide a black line master with a larger data table and discussion questions Suggest a demonstration for a reversible reaction with changing colors indicating shifts
Recommendation of how and where to use it	This resource will provide an effective tool for bringing real-world relevance to chemistry lessons involving acid-base reactions, pH, and buffer systems. It is especially appropriate for use in a high school classroom studying the ways that global warming is affecting ocean ecosystems and the consequences of changing PH levels for marine habitats. Teachers may be interested in a supporting video found here.
What skills does this resource explicitly teach?	Organizing and using apparatus and materials to collect reliable experimental data Analyzing and interpreting data Inferring and explaining relationships in order to apply experimental results to real world situations Working cooperatively with team members Identifying further problems or issues to be investigated Problem solving and evaluating scientific methodology

Principle	Rating	Explanation
Consideration of Alternative Perspectives	Good	Students gather information through guided inquiry and relate their findings to real life situations. They make their own conclusions on how carbons dioxide levels affect pH, by stressing the natural buffering system and the consequences this may have on human health.
Multiple Dimensions of Problems & Solutions	Satisfactory	The resource links global warming, and green house gas production with changing ocean water chemistry. This brings about environmental consequences which impact our own food supply safety, and health. Clear opportunities exist for teachers to introduce meaningful discussions of the social and economic consequences of reef degradation.
Respects Complexity	Satisfactory	Although not explicitly examining all dimensions of the issue, it promotes discussion and action through the hands-on learning activity.
Acting on Learning	Poor/Not considered	Poor- there is no action activity included in the resource
Values Education	Satisfactory
Empathy & Respect for Humans	Satisfactory
Personal Affinity with Earth	Good	Although it does not have an out-of-door experience, it does promote an appreciation of the oceans and the need to protect them.
Locally-Focused Learning	Satisfactory	After reading the EHP article, students will see how ocean ecosystems are linked to local food chains as well as the value coral reefs have in enhancing medicinal,and spiritual health.
Past, Present & Future	Good	The use of scientific inquiry allows students to see the effects of past practices and to highlight the current situation. The future would be seen as positive if students use the results of the inquiry as a springboard to action.

Pedagogical Approaches

Principle	Rating	Explanation
Open-Ended Instruction	Good	Students are able to discover some of the answers on their own through the guided inquiry approach taken.
Integrated Learning	Satisfactory	This is primarily a science resource, with an emphasis on acid-base and environmental chemistry. There are some opportunities for addressing outcomes in geography.
Inquiry Learning	Good
Differentiated Instruction	Satisfactory	Activities do teach to both the cognitive and affective domains. Reading levels in the EHP introductory article will be challenging for some students. There are no accommodations suggested for students with learning difficulties, but appropriate placement of students in lab groups should help in addressing this.
Experiential Learning	Good	Hands-on, minds-on learning are prominent.
Cooperative Learning	Satisfactory
Assessment & Evaluation	Satisfactory	Some assessment tools are provided, but there are no suggested rubrics for evaluating student work.
Peer Teaching	Satisfactory
Case Studies	Good
Locus of Control	Satisfactory

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

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Description

General Assessment

Sustainability Education Principles

Pedagogical Approaches

Relevant Curriculum Units

ExemplaryClassroom Resources

Reviewed By Teachers For Teachers

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

Print this review

Description

General Assessment

Sustainability Education Principles

Pedagogical Approaches

Relevant Curriculum Units

Exemplary
Classroom
Resources

Reviewed By Teachers
For Teachers