Pollution Patrol

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In this activity, learners explore how engineers design devices that can detect the presence of pollutants in the air. Learners work in teams of "engineers" to design and build their own outdoor air pollution detectors out of everyday items. They test their air pollution detectors, evaluate their results, and present to the group.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
1 to 7 days
Estimated Materials Cost:
$10 - $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Student Resource Sheets
  • Student Worksheets
  • Construction paper
  • Cardboard
  • Plastic wrap
  • Wax paper
  • Fabric
  • Felt
  • Coffee filters
  • Index cards
  • Paper plates
  • Paper cups
  • Scissors
  • Double sided tape
  • Petroleum jelly
  • Karo syrup
  • Hangers
  • String
  • Rulers
  • Hand lenses
  • Graph paper
  • Microscopes or digital camera (optional)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Earth Structure
      • Atmosphere
  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Environmental Engineering
    • Technology
  • Life Sciences
    • Diversity of Life
      • Classification
    • Ecology
      • Human Impact
  • Mathematics
    • Data Analysis and Probability
      • Data Analysis
      • Data Collection
  • Physical Sciences
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
  • The Nature of Science
    • Science and Society
      • Risks and Benefits
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results
    • Science as a Career
  • The Nature of Technology
    • Technology and Society
      • Impacts of Technology
      • Technology and the Environment
    • The Design Process
      • Research and Development
      • Invention and Innovation
      • Problem Solving
      • Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Informal Categories

  • Nature and Environment
  • Outdoor Activity

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • read
  • be mobile
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

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

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, IEEE,