Secret Agents of Dissolved Oxygen

This activity explores how water chemistry is altered by the biological processes of phytoplankton (microscopic photosynthetic organisms). Students will discover what some of these water chemistry changes are, and what influences these changes (type of water, exposure to light, etc.). The students will design an activity based on experience gained from the first activity. They will determine the changes and causes thereof in different types of water in a sealed container over time, and learn to measure dissolved oxygen, temperature, and carbon dioxide with a calculator/computer probe-ware or by other means. Educational levels: High school