Basic Science Concepts

Estuary study, like all science study, involves a handful of basic science concepts, such as:

Matter is made of atoms, which can join together to form molecules:

• some atoms can be +, some –
• opposites attract; likes repel—that's how salt crystals form and get their shape
• other molecules stick together in other ways
• atoms and molecules never stand still—always moving, jiggling
  
  

Energy exists in various forms, which can be transformed into one another:

• motion
• heat (a type of motion—the jiggling of atoms and molecules)
• light (and other related radiation—radio waves, microwaves, and also X-rays,...)
• chemical (stored in fuels, batteries, food)
• many other kinds...
  
  

Estuary waters illustrate interesting physical, chemical, and ecological ideas:

• solution of solids (e.g. salts) and gasses (e.g. O₂, CO₂)
• density, buoyancy, and stratification
• biochemical processes (photosynthesis, respiration, seashell formation, sulphur metabolism, etc.)
  
  

Living things are made of atoms and molecules, and use energy.

• PHOTOSYNTHESIS captures energy from the Sun and stores it in carbohydrates.
• RESPIRATION releases energy from carbohydrates (fuel) by burning it with oxygen.
  
  

Plants and animals help each other—each provides what the other needs—great teamwork!