Battling for Oxygen

Add to list Go to activity
Activity link broken? See if it's at the internet archive
Working in groups, learners model the continuous destruction and creation of ozone (O3) molecules, which occur in the ozone layer. Some learners act as ultraviolet (UV) light and break apart gumdrop and toothpick models of ozone molecules into oxygen molecules and atoms. Meanwhile, other learners assemble ozone molecules from the oxygen molecules and atoms. In a second round, learners model the situation when pollutants such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are present. In subsequent rounds, the amount of CFCs changes according to historical data, and learners can see what happens to the proportion of ozone and oxygen in the ozone layer over time. Resource contains vocabulary definitions and suggestions for assessment, extensions, and scaling for different levels of learners.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Learning Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Demonstration, Model
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Earth Processes
      • Weather and Climate
    • Earth Structure
      • Atmosphere
  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Civil Engineering
      • Environmental Engineering
  • Life Sciences
    • Ecology
      • Human Impact
  • Physical Sciences
    • Chemistry
      • Chemical Bonding
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Atomic Structure
  • The Nature of Science
    • Science and Society
      • Public Policy

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Kolenbrander, Amy ; Yowell, Janet ; Mach, Natalie ; Schaefer Zarske, Malinda ; Carlson, Denise ; Rutkowski, Tom ; Stephens, Tyman

Source Collection

  • TeachEngineering

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Regents of the University of Colorado, 2004

Funding Sources:

  • Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE)
  • U.S. Department of Education
  • National Science Foundation, 0226322