Learning Objectives

The learner will demonstrate comprehension of instructions by building a particulate collector.
The learner will demonstrate knowledge of visual presentation options by choosing a method with his/her group.

State Standards

7.III.4.a. Infer how air pollution affects people and the environment.

Materials List

q Handout 13.2 -- Detecting Air Pollution: Instructions (1 per student)

q Handout 13.1 Detecting Air Pollution: Background Information (1 per student)

q Masking tape

q 3 x 5 index cards, cut in half to make 3 by 2.5 cards (1 of the small cards per student)

q Hole punch

q Pencils

q Rulers

q Petroleum jelly

q Toothpicks

q Small boxes (1 per student)

q String

q Pushpins

Method

Introduction

Ask students for their thoughts on how you could test particulate pollution in areas around the community using petroleum jelly. Allow time for group and whole class discussion before introducing the method of choice.

Instruction

Part 1: Students will construct particulate detectors following the instructions on handout 13.2

Part 2: As a class, students will discuss possible lengths for the experiment and decide on an amount of time for the whole class to follow, including a beginning date and time and an ending date and time.

Part 3: Students will meet with their groups and decide how they would like to present their data once it is collected (report, chart, graph, map, etc.). Ask students to write this information down, including members of group and the chosen presentation method.

Conclusion

Have students write start and end dates of experiment in their planner. Remind students to be very careful with their detectors, and ask them to begin thinking about the effects of pollution on the environment. Check planners and collect presentation choices as the students leave the room.

Homework: Students will read handout 13.1 and record the following in their science journals 3 questions and 3 interesting things learned.

Assessment and Evaluation

Informal Assessment -- Observation
- Did the student build a particulate collector?
- Did the student participate in group discussion?
Formal Assessment Classwork Grade. Each student should have
- Written the starting and ending date of the experiment in his or her planner. Worth: 5 points.
- Chosen a method of presentation. Worth: 3 points.