Description
In this lab, students measure the pH of unpolluted “rainwater” and simulated acid rain. They also model the effects of acid rain on human-made structures. Then they determine the buffering effects of 3 types of soil (clay, sand, and humus) and 3 types of bedrock (granite, basalt, and marble). Kit includes materials for 10 groups of students.
Unit Connection
This laboratory investigation correlates to Unit 7: Atmospheric Pollution, topic 7.7: Acid Rain in the AP® Environmental Science Course and Exam Description.
Standards Connection
This kit addresses the following AP® Environmental Science concepts:
Big Idea 4: Sustainability (STB). Human survival depends on developing practices that will achieve sustainable systems. A suitable combination of conservation and development is required. The management of resources is essential. Understanding the role of cultural, social, and economic factors is vital to the development of solutions.
- STB-2 Human activities have physical, chemical, and biological consequences for the atmosphere.
- STB-2.H Explain the causes and effects of acid rain.
- STB-2.H.1 Acid rain and deposition is due to nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides from anthropogenic and natural sources in the atmosphere.
- STB-2.H.2 Nitric oxides that cause acid deposition come from motor vehicles and coal-burning power plants. Sulfur dioxides that cause acid deposition come from coal-burning power plants.
- STB-2.I Describe the effects of acid deposition on the environment.
- STB-2.I.1 Acid deposition mainly affects communities that are downwind from coal-burning power plants.
- STB-2.I.2 Acid rain and deposition can lead to the acidification of soils and bodies of water and corrosion of human-made structures.
- STB-2.I.3 Regional differences in soils and bedrock affect the impact that acid deposition has on the region—such as limestone bedrock’s ability to neutralize the effect of acid rain on lakes and ponds.
Time Requirements
Teacher Preparation (before class):
- Prelab: 30 minutes
- Investigation 1: 15 minutes
- Investigation 2: 15 minutes
- Investigation 3: 15 minutes
- Investigation 4: 25 minutes
- Investigation 5: 25 minutes
Class Time:
- Prelab: 45 minutes
- Investigation 1: 10 minutes
- Investigation 2: 10 minutes
- Investigation 3: 10 minutes
- Investigation 4: 15 minutes
- Investigation 5: 15 minutes
- Free-Response Questions: 30–60 minutes
The times provided are estimates. The time required may vary based on your student population.
Digital Resources
Includes 1-year access to digital resources that support instruction. Digital resources may include teacher manual and student guide, prelab activities and setup videos, simulations, and postlab analysis and assessments.
Prior Knowledge and Skills
Students should be familiar with the following skills or concepts:
- General acid and base chemistry, including the pH scale
- Reading balanced chemical equations
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