AICE Marine Science AS Chapter 1 Water Day 2

Chapter 1 Water Day #2. Lesson plan

Understanding Solutions and Salinity: Key Concepts in Marine Science

Marine science is a fascinating field that explores the chemical, physical, and biological aspects of our oceans. One crucial area of study involves understanding how substances dissolve in seawater and how various factors influence the salinity of our oceans. In this blog post, we will delve into important concepts such as solute, solvent, solution, and solubility. We will also explore how soluble salts like sodium chloride dissolve in water, the impact of temperature on the solubility of salts, and the effects of surface run-off, precipitation, and evaporation on sea water salinity.

Lesson Outline

• Start with Bell Ringer Day#2
• PowerPoint/ Lecture/Notes (PPT – slides 12-15)
  • One of the most common examples of solubility in marine science is the dissolution of sodium chloride (table salt) in water. When sodium chloride is added to water, the positive sodium ions (Na⁺) and negative chloride ions (Cl⁻) are attracted to the polar water molecules. The water molecules surround the individual ions, separating them and keeping them in solution. This process is called dissociation.
  • Temperature plays a significant role in the solubility of salts in water:
    • Increased Temperature: Generally, the solubility of most salts increases with an increase in water temperature. Warm water can dissolve more salt than cold water because higher temperatures provide more energy to break the bonds between ions in the solid salt.
    • Decreased Temperature: Conversely, as the temperature decreases, the solubility of salts typically decreases. This is why cold water holds fewer dissolved salts compared to warm water.
  • Surface Run-off: Surface run-off from rivers and streams carries fresh water and dissolved substances into the ocean. This influx of fresh water can dilute seawater, reducing its salinity. However, run-off can also carry dissolved salts and pollutants, potentially increasing local salinity in some areas.
  • Precipitation: Rainfall adds fresh water to the ocean surface, diluting the seawater and reducing its salinity. This effect is more pronounced in regions with high rainfall, such as the tropics.
  • Evaporation: Evaporation removes water from the ocean’s surface, leaving behind dissolved salts and increasing salinity. This process is especially significant in hot, arid regions where evaporation rates are high, such as the Mediterranean Sea. Below are slides 12-14 of the PPT presentation.

• Use Guided Notes – This year, I’m using Version B Guided Notes with my students, as I’ve noticed they benefit from having more structured support during class.
  • It features fill-in-the-blank prompts for key vocabulary and concepts, making notetaking faster and more accessible, especially for English language learners or those with processing difficulties.
• Small group activity
  • Divide students in small groups (3-4 students/group)
  • Students will work on Core Practical Activity 1.1 Investigating the effect of salinity on the freezing point of water – page 10 – 11 (Coursebook)
  • If time doesn’t allow you to perform this experiment with you class, use a visual representation (video).
  • Below is a great resource I like. Curtesy to: McCall’s Marine Science Class

By understanding the fundamental properties of solutions and the factors that influence seawater salinity, students gain valuable insights into the complex interactions within marine ecosystems. This lesson plan provides a comprehensive approach to exploring these essential concepts in marine science, preparing students for further studies in oceanography and environmental science.

Homework – high level/flipped classroom

• Version A – For High-Level Students:
  Ideal for independent or advanced learners, this version requires students to copy all notes by hand as homework before class. This flipped-learning approach helps students come to class prepared, freeing up time for application activities, discussions, and AICE-style practice questions.
• For this assignment have students fill in the blanks using the PPT Presentation. 

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