Grade Level/Subject
High School Earth Space
Unit
Atmospheric and Oceanic Events
Enduring
Understanding
Atmospheric and oceanic events occur as a
result of the Earth’s motion and position
with respect to the Sun.
SOL Objectives
ES 1c - Graph construction and
interpretation
ES 2 – Scientific reasoning and logic
ES 11d – Atmospheric changes
Air Quality Analysis
Title
Lesson Objective



Inquiry Level
Materials Required
Measure the quantity of particulates
deposited around your school.
Compare the amount of particulates in
the air at different places around your
school.
Determine the sources of those
particulates
3

7 index cards with central region
removed and replaced with clear tape

Pencil/pen

Tape

Microscope

Petri dish with lid
Air Quality Analysis
Activity 1
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established national air quality standards
for six air pollutants shown in the chart below. Study the chart. Think about what can be
done to lessen the effects of each pollutant.
Common Air Pollutants
Air Pollutant
Carbon monoxide (CO)
Major Source
Automobile exhaust
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
Burning fossil fuels in power
plants and automobiles
Sulfur dioxide (SO2)
Burning of fossil fuels in
power plants, oil refineries,
paper mills, volcanoes
Factories, power plants, oil
refineries, paper mills,
volcanoes
Smelters, battery plants
Particle matter
(dust, smoke, soot, ash)
Lead (Pb)
Ozone (O3)
Reaction of nitrogen oxides
and hydrocarbons in the
presence of sunlight
Effects
Reduces delivery of oxygen to
body tissues; impairs vision and
reflexes
Irritates lungs and lowers
resistance to respiratory
infections; and contributes to
acid rain and smog
Irritates respiratory system;
contributes to acid rain
Contributes to respiratory
problems; linked to some
cancers
Damages nervous and digestive
systems
Reduces lung function and
causes inflammation
Questions:
1. Which pollutants affect the respiratory system?
2. How many pollutants can be caused by human activities?
3. What suggestions do you have for decreasing these pollutants?
Activity 2
Background:
Particulates are tiny solid and liquid particles suspended in the air. Breathing too many
particulates can result in allergies, increased susceptibility to illness, and even lung damage.
Some particulates come from natural sources such as pollen and wind-blow debris. Other
particulates, however, result from human activity. Industry, transportation, and solid waste
incinerators, for example, produce particulate-laden smoke.
Your mission is to determine the air quality of your school environment and identify areas of
greater particulate density. You will collect air quality data over an extended period of time.
Using index cards with a central section replaced with tape, select 6 regions around the
school, both indoors and outdoors, to collect particulate samples. You will have a seventh
card placed inside a closed petri dish. Create a set of procedures that will outline your
experiment and address how you will measure your data and for how long your experiment
will last. Identify how you will record your data as well as how you will present your findings.
Materials:
 7 index cards with central region removed and replaced with clear tape
 Pencil/pen
 Tape
 Microscope
 Petri dish with lid
Identify:
Independent Variable
________________________________________________________________________
Dependent Variable
________________________________________________________________________
Control
________________________________________________________________________
Hypothesis:
Create a hypothesis that address where you believe you will collect the most particulates
from your experiment and provide a reason for your logic.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Describe your rationale behind the locations your group selected:
Procedures:
Write out your steps for creating this experiment. Include how you collect and record your
data. Have your steps approved by the teacher before you gather your materials.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Analysis:
1. After collecting your data, create a bar graph that shows the relationship between
your IV and DV.
2. Compare the number of particulates deposited in each area. Where did you find the
most particulates? Where did you find the least? How did the numbers compare to
your predictions?
3. Based on your descriptions of the particulates, did the type of particulates differ
from place to place? Were there significant differences in the particulate levels
indoors and outdoors? Explain.
4. Identify some indoor and outdoor sources of particulates.
5. The severity of outdoor air pollution often depends on weather conditions. Explain
how weather conditions might affect the particulate levels from day to day.
6. What are some ways people can improve air quality?