What's Air Got to Do with It? Properties & Quality
Figure 1. Everyday sources of air pollution.Copyright World Health Organization https://www.who.int/airpollution/infographics/Air-pollution-INFOGRAPHICS-English-4-1200px.jpg?ua=1
Students are introduced to the concepts of air pollution, air quality, and climate change. The three lesson parts (including the associated activities) focus on the prerequisites for understanding air pollution. First, students use M&M® candies to create pie graphs that express their understanding of the composition of air. Next, they watch and conduct several simple experiments to develop an understanding of the properties of air (it has mass, it takes up space, it can move, it exerts pressure, it can do work). Finally, students develop awareness and understanding of the daily air quality using the Air Quality Index (AQI) listed in the newspaper or online. In an associated literacy activity, students explore the environmental history timeline.
Air pollution is becoming an increasing concern as we learn more about the adverse health effects of poor air quality. Engineers investigate the source and effect of air pollution on people and their environment, and do their best to prevent it and clean it up. Environmental engineers must know the composition of air and chemicals to determine how to mitigate poor air quality.
After this lesson, students should be able to:
- Identify some of the main causes, effects and sources of air pollution.
- Define Air Quality Index (AQI).
- Explain the properties of air (takes up space, has mass, can move, exerts pressure, can do work.)
- Describe the roles of engineers in addressing air pollution.
- Explain how air pollutants affect the temperature of the atmosphere.