Chapter 1 Water Day #3 . Lesson plan
Understanding the pH Scale and Its Importance in AICE Marine Science
As AICE Marine Science teachers, we strive to impart a deep understanding of oceanic processes to our students. Two crucial aspects of marine science include the pH scale and the solubility of gases in water. These concepts are not only fundamental to the marine environment but also have significant implications for marine organisms.
Objectives
- 1.2 Solubility in water-cont.
- describe the pH scale and methods of measurement
- describe the effect of water temperature, water pressure (depth), atmospheric pressure and salinity on the solubility of gases in water and the implications this has for marine organisms
Materials
- Bell Ringer Day#3
- PowerPoint/ Lecture/Notes (PPT – slides 16 – 24)
- Guided Notes
- Review/Practice/Quiz 1.2 Solubility in water
Vocabulary
- pH scale: a logarithmic scale that measures the ratio of hydrogen ions to hydroxide ions
- pH: a numeric value expressing the acidity or alkalinity of a solution on a logarithmic scale
Bellringer
- Bell Ringer Day#3
- Alternative: Describe the impact precipitation and evaporation have on water salinity.
Lesson Outline
Hook
- Ask students what they know about the pH scale.
- Show a short video or animation explaining the pH scale and its importance in marine science (Check out the video below – credit: Carbon Brief)
- Discuss real-world examples of pH, such as ocean acidification.
Instruction
- Bell Ringer Day#3
- PowerPoint/ Lecture/Notes (PPT – slides 16 – 24)
- Present information on pH scale, acidic, alkaline and neutral solutions.
- Present information on how water temperature, water pressure, atmospheric pressure, and salinity affect gas solubility.
- Use visual aids and diagrams to illustrate the concepts – Lecture/Notes (PPT – slides 16 – 24)
- 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 practice – Review/Practice/Quiz 1.2 Solubility in water
- Exit ticket
- If you opt to have students complete their notes using the Student Guided Notes format during your lecture, then use the bellringer as the exit ticket activity in class.
- If you opt to have students complete their notes using the Student Guided Notes format at home (homework), then use the following exit ticket activity:
- Test yourself – page 17 (questions 5-7) (Coursebook)
Teaching these concepts in AICE Marine Science provides students with a comprehensive understanding of how physical and chemical properties of water influence marine life. By exploring the pH scale and the factors affecting gas solubility, students can better appreciate the delicate balance of marine ecosystems and the impacts of environmental changes.
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.Â
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