Mission Impossible
Hey, we’re back with more info about our science experiment. We will be testing the carbon dioxide and pH levels as well as water temperature in Whittier during the different seasons (from now until summer) to see how the businesses are affecting our environment. Once a week, we will take samples from seven different areas in Whittier in order to see how the climate change is distributed throughout the town.
More on our Project:
Questions: How do the different business seasons affect the carbon dioxide concentration in the air and the ph level in they water? Will the increase or decrease? Are the cruise ships and increased traffic (land and water) contributing to global warming in Whittier?
Hypothesis:
Wayne- The carbon dioxide concentrate in the air will increase when the busy business season arrives. Because of the cruise ships and increased traffic (land and water) in Whittier, there will be more carbon dioxide emitted into the air.
Walker-I believe ph levels will drop and CO2 levels will rise as we get closer to summer because of the surge in boating and tourists traveling over the sound.
Hannah- The increase in traffic in the business season will negatively affect the carbon dioxide and pH levels, therefore making Whittier a larger contributor to a poor climate.
Executing the experiment:
Materials:
• PH sensor
• CO2 sensor
• Computer
• Power adapter
• Sample bottles
Locations of Sample Collecting:
• Ferry Dock
• Harbor
• Shoreside Petroleum Dock
• Cruise Ship Dock
• Smitty’s Cove
• Head of the Bay
Steps:
1. Gather materials.
2. Once a week, go to the different locations around Whittier and collect samples.
3. Collect air sample with the carbon dioxide bottle.
4. Collect water sample with a different bottle.
5. Record the day’s weather.
6. Using the Co2 sensor, analyze air sample for carbon dioxide concentration and record data.
7. Using the pH sensor, analyze water for pH levels and record data.
8. Compile data over long period of time (the off season and tourist season) and compare the Co2 and pH levels to the time in which they were taken.
9. Assess if the data shows evidence of negative changes of Co2 and pH levels as our hypothesizes suggest. If not, assess reasons.
Targets Addressed:
Science
SC 3/5.55 Identifies human activities which also can induce hazards (resource acquisition, urban growth, land-use decisions, and waste disposal). Concludes such activities can accelerate many natural changes.
SC 3/5.59 Uses a systematic approach to thinking critically about risks and benefits (i.e. applying probability estimates to risks and comparing them to estimated personal and social benefits).
SC 6/8.81 Evidences human activities which enhance potential for hazards. (Acquisition of resources, urban growth, and waste disposal can accelerate rates of natural change.)
Math
MA 8.22 Identifies and compares graphs of basic functions.
MA 8.30 Samples and records data systematically.
MA 8.31 Creates graphs, tables and charts from collected data with and without technology (histograms, scatter plots, frequency distribution).
MA 8.32 Makes projections based on available data and evaluates whether inferences can be made from the data.
MA 8.35 Evaluates measurements for accuracy, precision and error; explains acceptable range of error.
MA 8.39 Defends conclusions with examples and applies to new situations.
MA 9.4 Represents real-world problems using algebraic functions, and graphs.
MA 9.11 Analyzes validity of statistical conclusions.
MA 9.12 Interprets and analyzes information found in point and graphical displays.
MA 9.13 Recognizes and formulates mathematical problems from within and outside the field of mathematics.
MA 9.20 Applies mathematical skills and processes to global issues.
MA 12.13 Applies concepts to surveying problems
MA 12.15 Defends conclusions with examples and applies to new situations.
MA 12.16 Applies math skills and processes to other disciplines and everyday life.
Technology
TE 6.2 Combines several functions in word processing (i.e. adds, pictures, tables, and columns to a text document).
TE 6.3 Creates multimedia project containing a minimum of three media components.
TE 6.6 Selects and demonstrates how to use four various forms of technology (i.e. scanner, fax machine, copiers, teleconferencing equipment, video, digital cameras, and various computer peripherals, etc.).
TE 7.1 Uses word processing to compose a variety of documents (i.e. newspapers, brochures, posters, and templates) using complex formatting techniques (i.e. borders, columns, imports, etc).
TE 7.4 Shows how to use the internet to retrieve information (i.e. downloading images, sounds and files).
TE 7.5 Uses technology to explore new and innovative methods for interaction with others (i.e., Manages an email address and uses it appropriately when available.).
TE 7.6 Uses multimedia peripherals (i.e., scanner, camcorder, digital camera, etc.) to create a multimedia presentation.
TE 8.3 Develops pie charts, bar graphs, and line graphs using the appropriate software.
TE 8.7 Creates a project incorporating multiple software applications (i.e. imbeds spreadsheets or graphics into a word processing document).
TE 9.3 Uses image editing software to enhance pictures.
TE 9.5 Creates a www page including at least one graphic, text, and a link to another internet site.
