Danger In The Air!
Activity #6: The Effect of Air Pollution on Plant Growth (Optional)

Concept:
Students will observe, record, analyze and make a conclusion of the damaging impact of air pollution on living organisms. Example--U Texas

Materials:
Plants such as tobacco plants, white-flowered petunia, tulip poplar tree or spinach plants--these plants are especially sensitive to air borne pollution. If other plants are available, use the local variety.

Procedure:
Observation and recording should take place on a regularly scheduled time period and spring is a preferred time to start the observations and recording.

Day Time Ozone Reading Condition of Plant
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Assessment:
Content:

  1. What is a primary element of smog or ozone pollution?
  2. Was the ozone reading constant from day to day?
  3. What day did you notice a change on the plants?
  4. What is the connection between the weather and the ozone readings?
  5. What can you do to improve air quality?

Process:

  1. Describe how you collected your information.
  2. List the source of your pollution information.
  3. Describe how you used the computer.
  4. Describe how you made a graph (optional).

Additional Activity:

  1. Check the various links and web sites listed on a regular basis and maintain a record of death rates.
  2. Check library references for additional and current information.
  3. Check the various links and web sites for remedial action that has been undertaken. Steps to correct air pollution--Environmental Protection Agency.

[Live from Earth & Mars]__________________________________________________