This assignment satisfies SLO 1C: Use the scientific method in a basic way to analyze and

evaluate oceanographic data that is presented in graphical, written or map format. Describe the
chemical composition and physical properties of seawater and the processes that regulate them.
In this assignment, we had to conduct research about the oceans seawater chemistry. Using
resources available to me I found an article regarding ocean acidification that is occurring in
New Zealand waters. The article went into detail about the current pH levels and how the
acidification is affecting the surrounding marine organisms. When looking into the data
presented in the article, they mentioned how they ran experiments on the corals and how the
projected growth of ocean acidification will react. Based on my knowledge of the scientific
method and the experiment performed on the corals in the article, the results were very limiting
since it was only performed in shallow waters. The article went on to talk about lophophorates,
sponges, molluscs, and echinoderms being affected due to the nature of the water. In their data
they mentioned their observations and even brought up the variables that were at play in their
testing. Going out into the water and looking at the specimen you are studying is a great way to
get an understanding of the species in its natural habitat but, there are too many variables that can
construe your data sample. The lab also did more samples in a laboratory manipulation. In a lab
simulation, you can choose what variables you have in your experiment but it also costs you the
environmental data you get in a real-world experiment. Based on what I know about the benefits
and limitations of laboratory and real-world experiments, and what the article did, I was able to
come up with my own hypothesis for the experiment as well. It is important that even if we have
to experiment with many variables or an experimental environment, that we run a lot of tests to
have a better sample to play with.