12 Warm water and algae

Experiment: The effect of temperature on algae growth

Compare the growth rate of algae in water of different temperatures.

Run a controlled experiment with algae cultures, varying the temperature. Compare the growth rate by observing the color of the water.

Time: TBD

Level: Advanced

EXPERIMENT IS IN DEVELOPMENT

Materials

warm site, cool site

Specifics and purchasing links are on this spreadsheet Materials list for CCSAE experiments

Draw your own conclusion (open this box to see our suggestions)

Suggestions:

The algae cultures that were in the warmer place got greener

The algae grew more in the warmer water

What physical, chemical or biological mechanism is going on? (open this box after you have an idea)

The mechanism is temperature

Warmer ocean water provides a warmer environment for the algae and other life in it

Relate this mechanism to climate change

Find the arrow (→) in the framework that represents this mechanism (starts at the cause phenomenon and goes to the effect phenomenon). (Use your printed copy of the framework, or open the one here.)

Pathway for Harmful Algal Blooms.pdf

Open this box to check your connection

Then go to the Explainer pages to learn more about the Cause and Effect phenomena

Connection 12

Cause: Warmer ocean water

What is happening: warmer water is a condition favorable to algae growth

Effect: Harmful algae blooms

We’d love to hear how you used this tool in your community, how the students responded, and your suggestions to improve the experiments and other resources. Contact us at ccsae@mit.edu.

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