Biology experts John Melville, PhD, and Sara Tallarovic, PhD, along with guest Matthew Huber, MS, Chief Scientist at Algae Research and Supply, use algae cultures in experiments that explore primary productivity. Learn how to use the Go Direct^® Optical Dissolved Oxygen Probe with algae cultures to measure dissolved oxygen levels in water and determine the effect of light on the rate of photosynthesis. This video also covers how to connect these measurements to carbon fixation through pH levels and explore the ocean’s role in reducing levels of atmospheric carbon.

What you’ll learn

• Strategies for integrating hands-on algae experiments into your biology curriculum to discuss climate change and primary productivity
• How to use algae cultures and the Go Direct Optical Dissolved Oxygen Probe to measure dissolved oxygen concentration and investigate photosynthesis rates
• The connection between dissolved oxygen, pH, and CO₂ fixation in aquatic ecosystems
• The critical role of the ocean in fixing atmospheric oxygen and its importance in the global carbon cycle
• Tips for setting up experiments using pond water to provide real-world context for your students