Ocean Acidification - History of STEM practicals - Acid Base Reactions

Practical 15 in the History in STEM practical series.
This practical set focuses on three aspects of ocean acidification. After an introduction looking into the history of ocean acidification through time, it moves into practical 1 gives a quick demonstration of the effects of increasing atmospheric CO2 using an acid base indicator and a simple reaction. Practical 2 is a card game that focuses on the effects dissolved CO2 has the ability of organisms to repair their shells. Practical 3 takes a longer term look to give a model to show the effect on shells over a period of weeks. The combination of the 3 gives a great depth to the topic, while also giving the students a number of hands on activities to keep them engaged.
The practical file is editable to suit your needs.

Instructions for Teachers - Card Game

The pages are set so that, when printed double sided, they have a back and front, enabling for easy sorting.

Before you print the whole deck, test your settings by printing the first two pages of cards, to check alignment. If it doesn’t match, then its likely to do with how the printer flips the page (either long end or short end), so make sure it is on the flipped on the long end. If you don’t want backs, then print every second page. There are two sizes of cards, mini and large, so have a look at both before you print.

Contents: 8x Hydrogen Cards, 8x Hydrogen Carbonate Cards, 19x Calcium Cards, 19x

Carbonate Cards, 1x Information Card

This card game works in 4 rounds. This works best in groups of 4, but can work with less or if necessary, up to 5 players per deck. Each player is role playing as a crab.

Round one: The game starts by placing all of the Calcium and Carbonate Ion Cards face down on the table, as well as two hydrogen and two hydrogen carbonate cards. Each person picks up 4 positive ion cards and 4 negative ion cards. The goal is to match Calcium with Carbonate. If you have 4 pairs, your shell grows. 3 pairs means enough minerals have been gathered to repair their shell. 2 pairs means damage cannot be repaired, but doesn’t worsen and 1 pair means the shell gets further damage and cannot be repaired. Record the scores on a tally card.

Round two-four: At the end of the first round and each round after, all the cards are returned to the table, face down and an additional two hydrogen and two hydrogen carbonate cards are added, symbolising the acidification of the ocean through the dissolving of more CO2. Same rules for shell repair apply.

Person with the most points at the end wins (pairs). Enjoy.

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