Acid Rain and Plant Growth
Find out how acid rain affects plant growth.
Students complete a long-term experiment to investigate how polluted environments can effect plant growth.
Lab Summary
In this exploration, students will use a pH sensor to adjust the pH of a water and vinegar solution. Students will prepare a solution of “acid rain” that they will use to explore the effect of acid rain on plant growth.
Downloads
- Download Free Lab (PDF, 436 KB) (432 KB, .pdf)
(student version)
Method
Use the pH Sensor to prepare a solution of “acid rain” that they will use to explore the effect on plant growth.
Here's What You Need
U.S. Educator prices shown.
Probeware
PASPORT pH Sensor (PS-2102) - $79
The pH sensor has a wide measurement range of 0 to 14 pH and high resolution, 0.01 pH.
Xplorer GLX (PS-2002) - $329
The Xplorer GLX is a data collection, graphing, and analysis tool designed for science students and educators.
Other Materials
- Large plastic water bottles, (2)
- Shallow low-sided plastic or glass dishes, (4)
- Graduated Cylinder, 100-mL
- Wash bottle and Waste container
- Mortar and Pestle
- Bright Fluorescent lights or sunlit window
- Protective Gear
- Labels and Labeling Pens
- Water, 100.0 mL
- White Vinegar, 100.0 mL
- Small plants from the nursery, (3 or 4)
- Antacid Tablets, (4)
Lab Manual
This activity is included in Explorations in Biology (PS-2807), complete with Teacher Information pages, student instructions and handouts, and sample data for a total of 25 probeware-based labs. For your convenience, we offer bundles which provide the probeware necessary for the activities in the manual. For more information on these resources and bundles, click here.