Risposte biologiche delle Corallinaceae ai cambiamenti climatici globali e come utilizzarle nell'insegnamento nella scuola secondaria di primo grado (scuola media).Biological response of the Corallinaceae to global climate change and how to use it in teaching at middle school.

The rising of atmospheric CO2 partial pressure moves marine water pH onto a lower grade. Many marine organisms, that use CaCO3 to build their skeletons, seem to be damaged by Ocean Acidification; especially shallow water ecosystems are at risk. A study on juvenile thalli of calcareous red algae was carried out in a microcosm experiment underdifferent acidic conditions. The encouraging preliminary result suggested taking the experience to educational system: a partnership with a middle school was established to fill the gap between research and school. An experimental course on global climate change and ocean acidification was offered to 14 years-old pupils. The course, experimentally based on calcareous red algae, represents not only a way to spread knowledge on global climatic change among the young, but also a tool to measure how much new methods of teaching can improve scientific knowledge and skills at school level.