ACIDIFICATION
When extra carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the air dissolves into seawater, it makes the water more acidic (lower pH) - like adding a splash of fizzy drink to the ocean.
Why it matters: Shell-builders (corals, oysters, clams) need special minerals to build strong shells. Acidification reduces those minerals, and growing and fixing shells becomes difficult for shellfish and reefs.
Fun fact: Sparkling water is more acidic than plain water because it has CO₂ bubbles - the same gas that can make the ocean more acidic.
Say it like this: ah-sid-ih-fih-KAY-shun
Your Turn: Colour-change lab! With an adult, make red cabbage water (it changes colour to show how acidic something is). Add a little tap water to one cup and sparkling water to another. Watch the colour shift to see which is more acidic.
APHOTIC ZONE
The deep, dark part of the ocean where sunlight can’t reach, so plants can’t photosynthesize. It starts below the bright surface layer and goes down to the seafloor.
Why it matters: Creatures here have amazing adaptations: big eyes or no eyes, slow movements, and bioluminescence. Many eat “marine snow” (tiny falling bits of food).
Fun fact: Even though it’s dark, the aphotic zone can look like a starry sky because many animals glow!
Say it like this: ay-FOH-tik zohn
Your turn: Deep-sea in a jar. Fill a clear jar with water and sprinkle in a pinch of glitter or oatmeal flakes as “marine snow.” Turn the room lights off, shine a small flashlight and watch the “snow” drift through your deep ocean.
Do you want to know more? Read this article written by Sophia the Seahorse.
AQUARIUM
A place where people care for fish and other water animals in clear tanks that copy their real homes, like reefs, kelp forests, or rivers.
Why it matters: Good aquariums teach us how to protect the ocean, rehab injured animals, and raise threatened species.
Fun fact: Jellyfish often live in special “kreisel” tanks with gentle water flow so they don’t bump into corners.
Say it like this: uh-KWAIR-ee-um
Activity twist: Design a Dream Tank! Pick a habitat (reef, kelp, mangrove). Draw a tank with hiding places, a clean-water filter, and a no-tapping sign. Add 3 animals.
Do you want to know more? Read Teresa's story about the woman who invented the aquarium.
ARCHIPELAGO
A group of islands hanging out together like a team of beach buddies.
Why it matters: Archipelagos create safe spots for sea life, with lagoons, reefs, and fishing grounds.
Fun fact: Indonesia has over 17,000 islands in its archipelago!
Say it like this: ahr-kuh-PEL-uh-go
Your turn: Can you imagine living on your own tiny island? What would you put there?
Do you want to know more? Read Sophia's article about the amazing Bajau people that live on the Indonesian islands.
UNDER THE SEA IS THE PLACE TO BE!
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©2024 Webra Group Ltd - inspired by the FISHSOUP book series by George Lebesis, Illustrated by Tamsin Baker.
