Oceans of Change

July 5-9, 2021

What is global climate change and how do scientists study it? How are changes in the atmosphere and in the ocean affecting marine organisms? What impact does a changing climate have on communities, and how can we prepare for an increase in storms, rising sea levels, and the impacts of a warming ocean? We have curated a week's worth of resources and activities for next week that will focus on the critical work that NOAA scientists do to study the impacts of a changing climate. You will have a chance to model your own greenhouse effect, calculate your own carbon footprint and even try your hand at designing a hurricane-resistant tower! You’ll also get a chance to check out what NOAA scientists and some of their colleagues around the world have discovered about the impacts of a warming planet have on the ocean. Expect to see a daily email from us first thing each morning next week with links to that day's explorations.

Artistic picture of the sun and other planets

What you will Need for Hands-on Activities

  • Basic NOAA Science Camp supplies (scissors, tape, ruler)

  • Computer or tablet with access to streaming


DAY 1

  • Tall plastic soda bottle

  • Small glass jar (ex. jam jar)

  • Non-electric Thermometer (that will fit in soda bottle)


DAY 3

  • Several clear cups or jars

  • pH indicator – you can make your own pH indicator using purple cabbage juice (boil red cabbage leaves (ah, the sweet smell of science), filter to remove the pieces of cabbage and collect the filtered “cabbage juice” in a clean glass, and let it cool. This filtered “juice” is your pH indicator)

  • Baking soda

  • Vinegar

  • Different household items to test acidity or alkalinity of: orange juice, milk, dish soap, etc…

  • Teaspoon

  • Tablespoon

  • Straw

  • 2 small clear cups or jars (you want to be able to view the reactions to compare to your hypothesis)

  • Tap water

  • Tums (your calcium carbonate animal)

  • Shells, Egg shells, chalk, or chicken bones for additional experimental observations

DAY 4

  • Two identical, clear, plastic containers (approx. 6"x6")

  • Clay (enough to fill about 1/4 of each tub)

  • Tray of ice cubes

  • Ruler

  • Water

  • Permanent Marker


DAY 5

  • index cards (4-8)

  • straws (~10)

  • craft sticks (4-8)

  • string (~3 feet/~1 meter)

  • pipe cleaners (4-8)

  • Ball (tennis or something similar)

  • Fan and/or water spray bottle

Coming up Next Week!

DAY 1 Climate Change is a HOT Issue What is causing our planet to warm up? Check out some of the science behind it!
DAY 2 Made to Measure How do scientific observations inform what we know about our ocean and atmosphere?
DAY 3 Sea Change How do shifts in the ocean's chemistry impact the health of marine organisms?
DAY 4 Sea Levels are RisingWhat does climate change mean for human communities, especially those who dwell near the coast? DAY 5 Weathering the StormHow can we prepare for increased weather events and storm intensity? And what can YOU do to combat climate change?

Scientists you'll be Connecting with "LIVE" Next week

Tuesday, July 6 at 10am PST - Sophie Chu and Hongjie Wang, University of Washington Cooperative Institute for Climate, Ocean, and Ecosystem Studies

The 5W's of Ocean Acidification: What happens to carbon in the ocean and why do we care? Join us to find out the who/what/where/when/why of ocean acidification.

Thursday, July 8 at 10am PST - Sarah Wise, NOAA Alaska Fisheries Science Center Climate and Communities: Adapting to Rapid Change

How are communities adapting to changes in the environment around them? Join us to find out how communities in Alaska are responding to changes in their areas, and look at ways you can look at the impact of climate change on your community.

Please note: You will receive separate webinar registration confirmation via email with the access links to sign on to each of the webinars above. Please keep these flagged in your inbox for easy reference when its time to click the link and sign on at 10am!