Rising Tide

Rainfall, Throughfall, and the Effects of Acid Rain on Major Ions and pH

A Rising Tide Project for Grades 9 through 12

Introduction

Classroom Activities
pH
Ions

Resources and Links

These activities were developed by Mrs. Rebecca Ward, a high school science teacher at Socastee High School in Socastee, SC and Heather Young, an undergraduate marine science major at Coastal Carolina University. They are based on their research with Dr. Jane Guentzel, a marine science professor at Coastal Carolina University. The activity was reviewed by Dr. Guentzel and revised after being tested in the classroom.

Dr. Guentzel's Rainfall, Throughfall, and Acid Rain research is focused on comparing and contrasting the behavior of water-soluble major ions (Cl^-, F⁺, Ca²⁺, SO₄^2-,NO₂^-, NO₃^-) with the behavior of iron (total Fe) in direct rainfall and throughfall. Throughfall is the precipitation that falls through branches and leaves before reaching the soil. Measuring the differences between ions collected in direct and throughfall rain will give us an understanding of the foliar interactions that occur due to acidic precipitation.

Each activity introduces students to the application of scientific concepts to actual field data collected by themselves or by Dr. Guentzel's team. They provide the opportunity for students to consider the many components of acid rain and its effects on the environment. These will also serve as a vehicle to promote consideration of one's personal environment, develop techniques for environmental management, and create a passion for scientific discovery.

The Rising Tide Project was developed at Coastal Carolina University, with the support of the National Science Foundation, and in collaboration with the Waccamaw Math and Science Hub and the South Carolina Aquarium. Its goal is to raise the level of scientific awareness and confidence on a local level by fostering collaboration between researchers, educators, and undergraduates. Teachers work closely during the summer with a university researcher and an undergraduate science major on a locally relevant research project. Using the methodology and data from their experience, the teams design discovery- and inquiry-based classroom activities for the classroom that emphasize hypothesis testing, data manipulation, and interpretation. For more information about the Rising Tide Project, click on the logo below.