Learning Objectives

The learner will demonstrate knowledge of observation by describing what has happened to his or her statue.
The learner will demonstrate comprehension of chemical pollutants (last nights homework) by offering thoughts to class discussion.

State Standards

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

Materials List

q 1 stick of chalk for every student

q Vinegar

q Small plastic cups

q Eyedroppers or straws

q Small nails

q Pictures of defaced buildings and statues

Method

Introduction

Im melting!

Part 1: Distribute 1 piece of chalk and 1 nail to every student. Ask students to carve a statue, a model of something to be displayed in front of Gable, something they can be proud of. Allow students sufficient time to carve their masterpieces.

Part 2: Gather students in groups of two or three, then distribute vinegar (fill the cup about 1/3 full) and eyedroppers to groups. Ask a volunteer to put his or her statue in the cup of vinegar and drip some on the statue. Have students observe, and write their observations in their science notebook. Allow every student time to experiment with the vinegar on his or her statue.

Instruction

Part 1: What in the world is happening? Ask students to stay in their groups and discuss what is going on. Encourage them to use their senses touch, smell, and sight to make observations in their journals and on chart paper. What is the liquid, and why is it destroying the statues? What might this have to do with last nights reading?

Part 2: Gather students and share observations. After some discussion of ideas, introduce the term acid rain. Ask what this demonstration might have to do with it.

Part 3: (Students should take notes.) Explain that acid rain is formed through chemical reactions; oxides of nitrogen and sulfur dioxide, pollution, react with moisture in the atmosphere to form nitric and sulfuric acid (their reading from last night). Acid rain damages forests, crops, bodies of water, and, as weve seen, statues and buildings. (Show pictures if available.) Lead students in a discussion about acidic deposits. Does acid rain have to come in a liquid form? How else is moisture brought to the earth? (Write important points on the board to assist note-taking.)

Conclusion

Does acid rain fall in Roebuck? Ask students to ask their parents what they think and record their thoughts and their parents thoughts in their science journal. Spend the last minutes of class devising a way to test (can be simple: gather rain and use PH test strips to check acidity). As students change classes, check notes for at least four key points.

Assessment and Evaluation

Informal Assessment -- Observation
- Did the student make observations about his or her statue?
- Did the student demonstrate an understanding of the homework by participating in group and class discussions?
Formal Assessment Classwork Grade.
- Each student should have at least four key points written in his or her notes. Worth: 5 points.