Bodmin College Pupils Explore Ocean Chemistry and Its Impact on Marine Life

Experiment in Action

This term, pupils at Bodmin College took part in a session about how chemistry in the ocean affects marine animals. The workshop linked science learning to real environmental issues. It helped pupils understand how changes in the ocean can affect living things.

The session began with simple questions and short quizzes. Pupils talked about how the Earth’s climate has changed over time. They learned about greenhouse gases and how human activity has increased carbon dioxide in the air.

The lesson then moved on to the oceans. Pupils learned how carbon dioxide from the air enters the sea and changes the chemistry of the water. They found out that when carbon dioxide dissolves in seawater, it forms carbonic acid. This makes the ocean more acidic.

Pupils then looked at how this affects marine life. They learned that animals such as crabs, shellfish, and corals need carbonate in the water to build strong shells and skeletons. When the ocean becomes more acidic, it is harder for these animals to grow and survive. Local examples helped pupils understand how this can affect coastal areas.

Pupils then took part in a hands-on chemistry experiment. In small groups, they tested how acid affects materials like shells. They placed chalk or eggshells into water and a weak acid solution. They watched what happened and recorded their results.

The experiment helped pupils see how acid can break down materials. They saw that the chalk or shell began to wear away in the acidic liquid. This helped them understand how ocean acidification can weaken marine life.

Pupils worked together to share their results and ideas. This helped them build skills in teamwork, observation, and scientific thinking.

The session also looked at careers. Pupils learned about jobs in marine science, environmental work, and conservation. They saw how chemistry is important in protecting the oceans. This helped them link their learning to future careers.

By the end of the session, pupils had a clear understanding of how chemistry affects the ocean and marine life. They could explain how carbon dioxide changes seawater and why it matters.

"I never thought about Chemistry in the ocean or the impact we have on marine life. This lesson has helped me see what impact we are having on our oceans and how important a career in science could be for me" - Pupil

This session at Bodmin College made science clear and engaging. It helped pupils connect chemistry to real life and think about how they can protect the environment in the future.