Past projects 1
Human Impact on the Environment
Funded Sep 30, 2020At the start of the semester using the Ecokit, student groups picked an ecosystem that they were interested in and set up their terrariums to study and monitor throughout the semester. Students had to research their ecosystem and its biodiversity and what impact humans may have.
After students were introduced to climate change they were put into small groups. Students were interested in the the ocean's role as a carbon sink. Student groups then set up their models to observe the ocean's role as a carbon sink, affecting the pH of our oceans. As carbon dioxide was released in the test model students swirled the cups simulating wind and ocean currents. Students were able to see an immediate color change in the ocean water indicating that the ocean water had become more acidic. Students were able to discuss the adverse effects that occur to Earth's aquatic ecosystems as a result of oceans absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and becoming more acidic.
Student groups then set up their models exploring how the presence of greenhouse gases causes the earth to become warmer. Students thought it was interesting how the plastic wrap mimic the greenhouse effect. Students compared the temperature changes collected by two classes and were able to explained why increased concentrations of atmospheric carbon dioxide can lead to an increase in global temperatures, resulting in climate change.
Students continued their studies learning about pollution and its effects on aquatic ecosystems, including algal blooms and water toxicity. Students modeled a water toxicity test that is used by the EPA. Students were curious about the "Daphnia magna", some being a little apprehensive about handing the samples. Students used "Daphnia magna" as an indicator organism to measure the quality of a water system. Students discovered that the higher the concentration of pollutant the higher the mortality rate.
The class will continue learning about pollution and the impact it has on water quality.
As students learn about the complex relationship between organisms and the environment in which they live in, it was important that they were able to visualize these concepts in a classroom setting. Students were able to explore and model how different activities performed by humans have lasting effects on our environments.
Thank you to everyone that contributed to this semester project.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Kinnaly
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 4 other donors.