In Marine Science, we did a multi-part project on ocean acidification and how it is affecting our marine ecosystems. The first part of the project was conducting an experiment. In pairs, we would slowly dissolve a shell in an acidic solution (diluted vinegar) and record its mass, length, and width over time. This was done prior to any research on the subject as an introduction. After this, we had to do independent research and write an essay on what exactly happened to the shell and ocean acidification as a whole. In this essay, we had to specifically write about how it would affect phytoplankton, as that was also something that we were primarily focusing on during this time. Along with that, we had to come up with a Maui-centric solution to ocean acidification. This essay is extremely research-based and should entirely be backed up by evidence. The last part of the project was to create a slideshow with your partner from the experiment about the essay you wrote. Both partners should've had the same solution and after creating it, each partnership would present their findings to the class.
A 21st Century Skill that is well represented with this multi-part project is Civic Literacy and Engagement. Kihei Charter describes this skill as being able to understand, analyze and participate in government and in community in order to shape the circumstances that impact our lives. The entire premise of this project was to understand how a problem, in this case ocean acidification, can be solved with a community effort. We learned about the negative impacts of ocean acidification and how it will affect us as people, as well as coming up with unique solutions for specifically Maui.
If I had to redo this project, I'd do more extensive research on the solution. I feel as if I picked the easy way out and picked the first option or idea that most people would think of. The solution I picked was finding alternatives to fossil fuels, which although a good idea, is not specific enough. I'd want to find something that would be more central to Maui like some of my peers did. They came up with much more unique ideas and I wish I had done that too.