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Activity (Hands-On)Grades 6 - 8

Air Pollution in the Pacific Northwest

Smoke emitted by a power plant against a blue skyStudents take a closer look at air pollution

Students are introduced to measuring and identifying sources of air pollution, as well as how environmental engineers try to control and limit the amount of air pollution. In Part 1, students are introduced to nitrogen dioxide as an air pollutant and how it is quantified. Major sources are identified, using EPA bar graphs. Students identify major cities and determine their latitudes and longitudes. They estimate NO2 values from color maps showing monthly NO2 averages from two sources: a NASA satellite and the WSU forecast model AIRPACT. In Part 2, students continue to estimate NO2 values from color maps and use Excel to calculate differences and ratios to determine the model's performance. They gain experience working with very large numbers written in scientific notation, as well as spreadsheet application capabilities.

Environmental engineers examine and quantify air pollution in order to determine how to alleviate this human-caused problem. Two main areas of study are: 1) remote sensing of air pollutants, 2) numerical modeling (from fundamental theories) of air pollutants. By quantifying and identifying air pollution sources, environmental engineers create better ways to sustain a healthy global environment.

After this activity, students should be able to:

  • Explain how nitrogen dioxide behaves as an air pollutant.
  • Measure air pollution using classroom tools.
  • Explain where air pollution comes from and how it interacts with the atmosphere.
  • Interpret maps and graphs.
  • Quantify pollution sources and locate polluted areas using maps and graphs.
  • Create plots and calculations using scientific notation and a spreadsheet application (Excel).
  • Explain how environmental engineers apply what they know to help control the amount of air pollution.

Activity goals:

  • To give students experience making calculations in Microsoft Excel, such as using the equal sign to make calculations, using "E" to represent scientific notation, and repeating calculations quickly in a table.
  • To learn about a regulated air pollutant and its primary sources.
  • To gain experience reading information from three different types of graphs.

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