What is climate change?

Climate change is when the Earth’s temperature and weather patterns change over a long period. It is mainly caused by human activities, like burning fossil fuels and cutting down trees, which increase gases in the air that trap heat. This leads to problems like extreme weather, rising sea levels, and changes in nature.

What is causing climate change?

Climate change is primarily driven by human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas. This process releases greenhouse gases, notably carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat, leading to the greenhouse effect and an increase in global temperatures. Deforestation exacerbates the problem, as trees that typically absorb carbon dioxide are cut down, allowing more of it to accumulate in the atmosphere. Together, these actions disrupt weather patterns and contribute to extreme weather events such as hurricanes, heat waves, and prolonged droughts, posing significant challenges for ecosystems and human societies worldwide. 

Why do ākonga (students) throughout Aotearoa and globally want to go on strike from school and protest?

Ākonga (students) in Aotearoa and around the world are driven to strike and protest due to a lot of pressing issues that directly affect their futures. Among these concerns is climate change, as students recognize the urgent need for action to combat environmental degradation and ensure a sustainable planet. Many feel that their governments are failing to take adequate measures, prompting them to demand accountability and proactive policies. Additionally, ākonga are increasingly concerned about educational equity and mental health. They advocate for improved mental health services in schools, recognizing the significant impact that well-being has on learning outcomes. Issues such as systemic racism, inequality, and social justice have mobilized students to voice their frustrations and push for change, as they seek a more inclusive and fair society. The sense of urgency felt by ākonga is intensified by their awareness that they will inherit the consequences of decisions made today. Protests and strikes are seen as vital tools to express their demands for a brighter, more equitable future, making their voices heard in the face of compounding global challenges.

photos showing the climate of the school strike 4.

Aim: We did this experiment to test the pH levels of different household items.

Equipment: 

• Safety glasses
• Litmus Paper (the red and blue little pieces of paper)
• Universal indicator
• Spotting tile
• Household chemicals (Toilet Cleaner, Spray ‘n’ Wipe, Floor Cleaner, Vinegar, and Fabric Softener)
• Pipette (Dropper)

Method:

1. Gather your equipment (Safety glasses, Litmus paper, Universal indicator, Spotting tile, and pipette)
2. Put your safety glasses on, and put your litmus paper and universal indicator on the side.
3. Go around and gather 5 different household chemicals using the pipette (different one each time) add five droplets of each household chemical into the spotting tile (the household chemicals my group gathered: Toilet Cleaner, Spray ‘n’ Wipe, Floor Cleaner, Vinegar, and Fabric Softener)
4. Once you have all your household chemicals, put your litmus paper in each household chemical, and write down the colour of each litmus paper once it is in each household chemical.
5. Once you have written down the colour of each litmus paper add 2 droplets of the universal indicator in each household item in your spotting tile, and write down the colour you got after you put in the universal indicator.
6. After you have written down your results put your litmus paper in the bin tip the household chemicals down the sink (with the water running) and wash the spotting tile. Then wash the 5 pipettes you used and put them away (in the right area it goes) then you have to put away the spotting tile (in the right location) after that put away all the chemicals you used (Toilet Cleaner, Spray ‘n’ Wipe, Floor Cleaner, Vinegar, Fabric Softener, and the universal indicator) (in the right area) after all that cleaning up take your safety glasses off and put them away and wash your hands.

Results: 

Discussion:

Why do we need to know how to test pH levels? Understanding how to test pH levels is crucial for determining the safety of ingesting various chemicals. By testing the pH levels of substances, we can assess their acidity or alkalinity, which is essential for evaluating their potential impact on the human body. This knowledge helps in making informed decisions about the safety of consuming different substances and in designing appropriate precautionary measures. Why did different household chemicals change different colours? The reason for this is that all different household chemicals have different pH levels and therefore react differently to the universal indicator that is combined in the chemicals This increases the concentration of ions in the solution. How did you know if these chemicals were acidic or basic? We know if these chemicals are acidic or basic if we place the litmus paper in the chemicals if the litmus paper turns/stays red it is acidic and if it turns/stays blue it is more basic. Why might universal indicator (U.I) be more useful than Litmus paper? A universal indicator is a mixture of dyes that changes colour based on the acidity or alkalinity of a substance, helping to determine its pH level.

Conclusion:

Did all your experiments work? Yes, all of my experiments were successful, and we obtained all the necessary answers to complete the experiment. What could I improve in your science next time? I could probably be more diligent and less prone to distraction. I often get distracted by some of my pairs, leading to less focused work. If I can improve my ability to stay on task and give each task the attention it deserves, I believe I can become more efficient and produce higher-quality results.