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Try these experiments in your classroom to bring oceans ideas to life

Dissolving shells in acid

This experiment shows the effect of ocean acidification on organisms with calcium carbonate shells or skeletons. By using a stronger acid, shells will start to dissolve completely during the course of a lesson.

Dissolving shells in vinegar

A simple and practical demonstration of the effects of ocean acidification on marine life. The shells will start to react with the acid in the vinegar and produce carbon dioxide bubbles.

Oceans still or sparkling?

This experiment is another way to show how carbon dioxide acidifies water. Just pour one glass of still water and one glass of sparkling water and add a pH indicator.

Ocean acidification in a cup

Pupils can blow through a straw into a cup containing water with a pH indicator. As they continue to blow through the water, they will see how the carbon dioxide in their breath starts to acidify the water.

Ice core algae

This experiment shows the relationship between snow depth, sunlight hours and the growth of algae in the sea ice. The growth of algae in the ice contributes to the carbon cycle and also sea ice loss.

Ocean circulation

This is great for teaching about ocean currents and climate. Using simple tools such as plastic boxes, ladles, food dye and bottles of water with different saltiness and temperature, you can easily demonstrate the concept of thermohaline circulation.

Ocean detective

Have your class become ocean detectives and identify the geographical location of different samples of water. This experiment shows how ocean chemistry varies across the world.

Porosity of sea ice

Sea ice contains tiny channels caused by the salt being exuded when it forms. Ice made from fresh water is ‘solid’. These brine channels provide a habitat for plankton. This experiment uses coloured water to show this difference in porosity.