Ocean Acidification Public Outreach

Hi all,

I'm not sure if many around the Des Moines area got to know me or remember me. I posted a fair bit on GIRS from eastern Iowa a few years ago prior to moving to Des Moines and needing to step out of the hobby for a bit. One of the current things I'm working on (since ~January) is outreach for science education with the public with the National Center for Science Education, a national non-profit dedicated to promoting education around climate change and evolution. Note: this work is non-partisan and not focused on anthropogenic causes of climate change (more the impact of the current state of climate science knowledge). One of our modules we use is an Ocean Acidification module where we discuss the lowering of the pH in the oceans and some of the implications that has on ocean life. The lead in for engagement has kids blowing in cups of water (pH is taken before and after). We also have examples of some oyster shells that have been exposed to vinegar to demonstrate the pH dependent nature of the organism's shell. These are all free to the public and any material costs are handled by me (which is then expensed back to NCSE).

I know there are some pretty passionate reefers out there and this represents an opportunity to discuss with the community some things that you're passionate about. This weekend (April 29) at the Capital Building, we have an event discussing this and would enjoy having a couple volunteers. If you are interested, please PM me. You may wear GIRS things, and you may even have aquarium discussions if appropriate. Alternatively, you can join the Facebook page for additional updates (another event is May 11): Des Moines Science Booster.

Please note: our presentations are not focused on the anthropogenic nature of climate change or evolution. They are designed to be non-partisan and non-confrontational. Ocean Acidification is dependent upon a physical phenomenon that only cares that CO2 is in the air... not where it came from. Our presentation materials focus on changes to pH over time and the impact on marine life. It does not push an ideology but rather helps raise awareness of something that doesn't receive enough attention in the public eye.

tl;dr - Outreach opportunity relating to science education of ocean acidification. Please come, have a good time. There's also a Facebook page. (Also note, I did reach out for permission to post )

 

I'm not sure if this helps, but I'm bringing pizza. 12:15 to 3.