Do you feel stuck in a rut when it comes to planning your units? I’ve been there. That’s why I made a list of twelve activities you can add to your Properties of Water and Ocean Chemistry unit. I’ve included hands-on activities, seawater labs, and more to keep your lessons engaging throughout the entire unit.

 

#1 Properties of Water Notes

The Properties of Water Guided Notes help you introduce your unit, plus a quick assessment to determine how well students understood the lesson. This is a no-prep way to make sure you’ve covered everything you need to properly kick off your properties of water unit!

 

#2 Properties of Seawater Notes

Once you’ve covered the basics, dive in a bit deeper with the Properties of Seawater Guided Notes. These guided notes will introduce the topic and prepare students for your marine science experiments that are to come! Inside the guided notes, you’ll also find checkpoints for students to reflect on what they’ve learned. They’ll wrap up the notes by writing a summary of the lesson.

 

#3 Properties of Seawater Task Cards

These editable Properties of Seawater task cards are a great way to review vocabulary and key concepts for both properties of water and properties of seawater. I love turning task cards into a gallery walk to make it even more engaging. 

#4 Properties of Water Google Slides & Print Activities

Before diving straight into the properties of water lab, you’ll want to start with a simpler activity for students to practice the concepts. These Properties of Water Digital Activities will do just the trick! The activities help students make real-world connections to the topic, practice the important vocabulary, and review the key concepts – all while being interactive and online.

Learn more about how I pace my marine science course with this free pacing guide. Fill out the form below to instantly receive it! 

#5 Ocean Chemistry Google Slides & Print Activities

Of course, I also love using these Ocean Chemistry Digital Activities. This resource includes ten interactive activities and two readings to prepare students with the knowledge needed before starting a marine science experiment. 

#6 Surface Tension Experiment

This is an easy, time-friendly marine science lab. Investigate the concept of surface tension by having students place drops of water on a penny and observe how the droplets form into small, round beads. Then, have students discuss how water molecules at the surface are attracted to each other. 

 

#7 Make a Connection to Ocean Currents

One of my favorite marine science experiments is to do an ocean currents simulation. Use a large container with water, food coloring, and a heat source to simulate ocean currents. Demonstrate how heat distribution in the ocean affects circulation patterns and climate.

 

#8 Salinity and Density Experiment

Another great properties of water lab is to create different saltwater solutions with varying salinities and test their densities. You can test density with different objects, like an egg. After completing the lab, discuss with students how variations in salinity affect ocean circulation.

 

#9 pH Testing in Coastal Waters

I always love a real-world connection. If possible, collect water samples from local coastal areas and measure the pH of these samples. Have students discuss how various factors can influence the pH in coastal environments. You can even have them do research looking further into this!

 

#10 Ocean Chemistry Case Studies

Another way to help students make real-world connections is to present case studies of real ocean chemistry issues such as dead zones, harmful algal blooms, or coral bleaching. Have students research these real-world events, find the causes and consequences, and present the information to the class.

 

#11 Shell Dissolution Demonstration

Another cool marine science experiment shows ocean acidification. To conduct this experiment, place eggshells or seashells in vinegar. This experiment will happen over time, but eventually, students will notice the shells dissolving due to the acidic conditions. 

#12 Model Ocean Acidification

This properties of water lab is another add-on for talking about acidification. For this experiment, you’ll use clear containers filled with water and a pH indicator solution. Then, add CO2 (from exhaled breath or a chemical source) to simulate ocean acidification and observe the pH drop. 

 

Want more resources to support your properties of water and seawater unit? Grab the complete Properties of Water Bundle and Ocean Chemistry Bundle.