Investigating Dissolved Oxygen
Recommended for grades 9–12.
Introduction
Dissolved oxygen is one of the primary indicators of the quality of an aquatic environment. Oxygen enters water from the surrounding air, as a product of photosynthesis, and as a result of rapid movement of water. A Dissolved Oxygen Probe can be used in a wide variety of tests or experiments to determine dissolved oxygen concentrations (DO) and changes in dissolved oxygen concentrations.
Objectives
In the Preliminary Activity, you will gain experience using a Dissolved Oxygen Probe as you determine the DO level of a water sample provided by your teacher.
After completing the Preliminary Activity, you will first use reference sources to find out more about dissolved-oxygen issues in the environment before you choose and investigate a researchable question dealing with dissolved oxygen.
Sensors and Equipment
This investigation requires each of the following Vernier sensors and equipment (unless otherwise noted):
Additional Requirements
You may also need an interface and software for data collection. What do I need for data collection?
Download Experiment Preview
The student-version preview includes:
- Step-by-step instructions for the Preliminary Activity
- List of materials and equipment
Note: The experiment preview of the Preliminary Activity does not include essential teacher information, safety tips, or sample data. Instructions for Logger Pro and other software (such as LabQuest App or TI handheld software, where available) are on the CD that accompanies the book. We strongly recommend that you purchase the book before performing experiments.
Standards Correlations
See all standards correlations for Investigating Environmental Science through Inquiry »
Experiment 3 from Investigating Environmental Science through Inquiry Lab Book
Included in the Lab Book
Vernier lab books include a CD with word-processing files of the student instructions, essential teacher information, suggested answers, sample data and graphs, and more.