Impact on Planetary Health

Dear students,

In this WebQuest we will investigate various aspects of planetary health, such as Sea Level Rise, Ocean Acidification, Melting Polar Ice and Glaciers, Heatwaves, as well as Soil Degradation and Desertification.

 

Imagine you are a team of environmental scientists tasked with investigating the critical issues affecting our planet's health. Your mission is to understand these issues and propose solutions to mitigate their impact.

 

For this to happen you have to form transnational teams and choose one of the following topics to research and explore through credible sources, including scientific articles, documentaries, and online databases.

Coose your team in the following Google Doc:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ob128yCkS--4yEdlSoxiZSru27Z59huZu94DeqlkA1w/edit?usp=sharing

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TEAM 1:Sea Level Rise

 

Research Task: Investigate the causes and effects of sea level rise. What are the primary factors contributing to this phenomenon?

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STEM Activity: Create a simple model to better understand the effects of glacial melt on water levels, simulating how melting glaciers contribute to sea level riseusing a container, water, and clay to simulate land. 

Materials:

• A large, clear container (e.g., a plastic storage box or aquarium)

• Water

• Clay or modeling dough

• Ice cubes (to represent glaciers)

• Ruler or measuring tape

• Marker or tape

• Notebook and pen for observationsactivi

Instructions:

Fill the bottom of the container with a layer of clay to simulate the land. Shape the clay to create elevated areas and a lower basin where water will collect.

Pour water into the container until it reaches the base of the elevated clay land. This represents the ocean or sea.

Place a few ice cubes on the clay land to represent glaciers. Ensure that the ice cubes are situated above the water level, simulating glaciers on land.

Mark the initial water level on the side of the container with a marker or tape.

Observe and record the changes in water level as the ice cubes begin to melt. Use a ruler or measuring tape to measure the water level at regular intervals (e.g., every 5 minutes).

Note the time it takes for the ice cubes to completely melt and the final water level.

Discussion and Analysis:

Compare the initial and final water levels. Discuss how the melting ice (glaciers) contributed to the rise in water level.

Relate this model to real-world scenarios where melting glaciers lead to rising sea levels, impacting coastal communities and ecosystems.

• Discussion:How does the melting of polar ice contribute to sea level rise? What are the implications for coastal communities?

Post all your findings in the following padlet:

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  https://padlet.com/meddiet4health/sea-level-rise-icq8fuolg2wdxry5

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Visit the page: 

https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/5f6596de6c4445a58aec956532b9813d

and make observations on sea level rise in the interactive map.Post your observations in the above padlet, too.

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TEAM 2: Ocean Acidification

• Research Task: Explore the chemical process of ocean acidification and its impact on marine life, particularly coral reefs.

• STEM Activity: Conduct an experiment using vinegar (representing carbon dioxide) and seashells (representing calcium carbonate) to observe the reaction and simulate ocean acidification so to better understand the chemical reaction that occurs when carbon dioxide dissolves in ocean water, leading to ocean acidification.

Materials Needed:

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• Clear glass jars or beakers (one for each group)

• White vinegar (acetic acid)

• Seashells (calcium carbonate) 

• Measuring cups or graduated cylinders

• pH strips or a pH meter (optional, for measuring acidity)

• Safety goggles and gloves (for handling vinegar)

• Notebook and pen/pencil for observations

Instructions:

Form groups and arrange materials at each group’s workstation. Measure a specific amount of vinegar (e.g., 100 ml) using a measuring cup or graduated cylinder and pour it into the glass jar or beaker. Place a piece of seashell into the jar with vinegar.  Observe the immediate reaction: Can you notice bubbles forming around the seashells as the vinegar (acid) reacts with the calcium carbonate, releasing carbon dioxide gas?

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Initial Observations:

Record their observations, noting the time when they started the experiment and any changes in the seashells' appearance (color, texture, size) over time.

 

pH Measurement (Optional):

If pH strips or a pH meter are available, measure the initial pH of the vinegar before adding the seashells and then periodically during the reaction to observe any changes in acidity.

 

Longer-Term Observations:

Allow the experiment to run for 10-15 minutes, and periodically check and record changes in the seashells' size, texture, and the intensity of the bubbling reaction.

 

Discussion Questions:

What did you observe when the seashells were placed in vinegar?

 

What might be the long-term effects of ocean acidification on marine ecosystems?

Post everyting to the following padlet:

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 https://padlet.com/meddiet4health/ocean-acidification-3a85vyz5z0dfci6w

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Forum Discussion: How does increased CO2 in the atmosphere affect ocean chemistry? What are the broader ecological consequences?

 

TEAM 3: Melting Polar Ice and Glaciers

Research Task: Examine the reasons behind the accelerated melting of polar ice and glaciers. What are the global consequences of this phenomenon?

Post your findings to the following padlet:

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https://padlet.com/meddiet4health/melting-of-polar-ice-6jev3026el6ixkni

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In the same padlet, post your opinions to the following questions: How does the melting of ice affect global weather patterns? What actions can be taken to slow down this process?

 

TEAM 4: Heatwaves

Research Task: Investigate the causes and effects of increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves. How do heatwaves impact human health and ecosystems?

Post your findings to the following padlet:

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https://padlet.com/meddiet4health/heatwaves-3ljx0l7jobmhqnus

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TEAM 5: Soil Degradation and Desertification

 

Take a look to the following video so to set up a small-scale erosion experiment using soil, water, and different types of ground cover (e.g., grass, mulch). Observe and record the rate of erosion.

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