Many possibilities for science fair projects for marine biology exist, looking at several ocean-specific issues. Projects in this field help you understand the often complex issues of oceans and marine biology. They also show how oceans act with other elements of the environment including the air and climate.
Because of the vast size of oceans, it can be difficult to understand the importance of seas. Projects in marine biology will help you comprehend how oceans function with simple experiments.
With any science fair project, it is important for you to follow the steps of the scientific method. Begin your marine biology project with a clear statement of what you want to prove.
Experiment Illustrating Ocean Currents
The climate, specifically temperature, affects the velocity of ocean currents. A simple experiment using vegetable oil, a glass loaf pan and small candles illustrates how increases in ocean temperature increase wave activity. Have students add oil to the pan to within about two to three inches of the brim.
Balance the pan on coffee mugs or bowls. Light a candle and place it underneath the pan. As the oil heats, it will begin to swirl. Students can experiment with changing the number of candles or removing them as they observe how the oil reacts. Students can learn how water temperature can agitate the water and thus affect marine life by stirring up sediment from ocean floors.
Sediment can adversely affect filter-feeding organisms such as mussels. It can also release toxins that may be found in deeper sediment layers.
Climate Change Experiment
Global warming, or climate change, is a hot environmental issue, sure to draw interest for a science fair project. One concern related to climate change is the acidification of ocean waters due to carbon dioxide emissions.
The effects of acidification can be illustrated with a simple experiment using sea water, vinegar and seashells. Make a solution of sea water by mixing ocean salt with filtered tap water to replicate sea conditions. Ocean salt is available at pet stores and online at scientific supply stores. Salinity is about 3.5 percent, with a pH range of 7.5 to 8.4.
Create a control sea water mix in a glass jar. Use a hydrometer, available at pet stores, to check salinity. Add crushed seashells. Create a second set-up that is more acidic than normal ocean water. Add vinegar to bring the pH to 7.5, the projected mean sea level in 2100 according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Test with a pH kit. Observe the effect of acid on the shells after about one month. Students can observe first-hand the effects of changing water conditions on marine life.
Beach Formation
Focus on ocean waves and how they shape shorelines and beaches. Create a model of a marine shoreline using a paint roller pan, sand and water. Build up a representative beach area at the shallow end of the pan. Add water, keeping the beach above the waterline. Replicate wave action by bobbing the deep end of the pan gently up and down. Use a pencil or other floating object to help visualize the wave patterns.
Students can photograph how their model beach changes after pre-set time periods. This will document how wave action influences shorelines and in turn, marine life through sedimentation into ocean waters and loss of shoreline habitat.
Concepts surrounding marine biology tend to be complex and often difficult to understand because of the mere magnitude of the resource. Simple experiments bring home how marine environments work in easy to understand projects.
Sources:
Marine Science: "Seawater Composition" MarineBio.net
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: "Future Ocean Acidification" EPA.gov
