Breathe in, breathe out. What has filled your lungs? What exactly is "air" and why should we care? In this activity, students investigate the "recipe for air," otherwise...
...moreBreathe in, breathe out. What has filled your lungs? What exactly is "air" and why should we care? In this activity, students investigate the "recipe for air," otherwise known as the chemical composition of what invisibly surrounds us. Students use chocolate candies and pie charts to illustrate the chemical components of air. They learn about the different atmospheric layers: thermosphere, mesosphere, stratosphere and troposphere. By understanding our planet's atmosphere and the natural chemical constituents of air, students better understand air quality and what is meant by polluted air. This prepares them to begin to think like engineers and design ways to reduce air pollution and protect air quality. As an added bonus, conducting this activity meets one of the NGSS engineering education standards.
...less
