(Full teacher resource documents are included in the PDF)
Lesson Focus This lesson focuses on devices that are used to detect air pollution. Teams of students construct outdoor air pollution detectors from everyday materials. They then test their devices to see how much particulate pollutants they can capture.
Lesson Synopsis
The "Pollution Patrol" lesson explores how engineers design devices that can detect the presence of pollutants in the air. Students work in teams of "engineers" to design and build their own outdoor air pollution detectors out of everyday items. They then test their air pollution detectors, evaluate their results, and present to the class.
Age Levels: 8-18
Objectives Students will:
Design and build an outdoor air pollution detector
Test and refine their designs
Communicate their design process and results
Anticipated Learner Outcomes
As a result of this lesson students will have:
Designed and built an outdoor air pollution detector
Tested and refined their designs
Communicated their design process and results
Lesson Activities
In this lesson, students work in teams of "engineers" to design and build their own outdoor air pollution detectors out of everyday items. They then test their devices, evaluate their results, and present to the class.
