Sour Seas: Why Ocean pH Matters
Ages 3–9
Key Insight
Increased CO2 makes oceans more acidic, which dissolves the shells of tiny sea animals and weakens coral reefs.
📖 Explanation
🧒 For Ages 3-5 (Simple Words)
The ocean is getting a little bit like lemon juice. This makes it hard for sea snails and crabs to keep their shells strong and healthy.🐚
🎒 For Ages 6-9 (Science Talk)
Carbonic Acid
When the ocean absorbs CO2, it creates carbonic acid. This lowers the pH of the water. Coral reefs are made of calcium carbonate, which dissolves when the water is too acidic, leading to 'coral bleaching.'
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the ocean as sour as lemon juice?
- Not yet! But even a tiny change in pH can be a disaster for sensitive sea life.
🧪 The Dissolving Shell Test
~48hWatch how acid (vinegar) affects real sea shells.
🛒 Supplies
📋 Steps
- 1
🌡️ Test the Water
Measure the pH of plain water and vinegar using a digital tester.
- 2
🐚 Wait and See
Submerge a shell in vinegar. After two days, notice how the shell becomes soft or thin.
Watch the Video
Visualizing the chemical impact of CO2 on ocean water and marine life.
Sour Seas: Why Ocean pH Matters
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