Ocean Acidification in a Cup

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Ocean acidification is a problem that humans will have to deal with as we release more and more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This activity demonstrates how water can become acidic with the introduction of CO2.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per student
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • Safety goggles
  • An acid-base indicator such as bromothymol blue, diluted with water: 8 milliliters bromothymol blue (0.04% aqueous) to 1 liter of water (see the Teaching Tips section below for alternative acid-base indicators, including one made from cabbage juice)
  • Two clear 10-oz plastic cups (the tall ones)
  • Paper cups, 3-oz size (you’ll only use one in the experiment, but keep a few extras at hand just in case)
  • Masking tape
  • Plain white paper
  • Permanent marker
  • Baking soda
  • White vinegar
  • Two Petri dishes to use as lids for the plastic cups
  • Graduated cylinder or measuring spoons
  • Gram scale or measuring spoons

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Earth Processes
      • Weather and Climate
    • Earth Structure
      • Oceans and Water
      • Atmosphere
  • Physical Sciences
    • Chemistry
      • Acids and Bases
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data

Other

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Access Rights:

  • Free access

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