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Earthworks
Earth System Science for Secondary Teachers
Dick Martyr (Earthworks 2001)
Atmospheric Chemistry/Meteorology Project
Who: 9th Grade Physical Science Students
What: Use weather station data gathering and analysis skill in weather /climate and air chemistry units
Why: To engage students in real world understanding of weather, air chemistry data, how to analyze data, and develop conclusions.
When: Fall 2001 and Spring 2002
Where: Longmont High School, Longmont, CO
Potential Constraints: The time and ability to modify existing courses while learning to teach during my first year.
Methods: Divide class into 8-9 groups of 3-4 students each. For 1 week, each group will:
- Gather data on data sheets
- Analyze data and compare it with local, regional, and national trends
- Seek correlations between weather and physical/social/health phenomenon
- Report 2 significant conclusions to class
Connections Between Projects: Explore the possible effects of weather/air chemistry on:
- Behavior of animals - birds, insects, mammals, etc.
- Water quality and water chemistry
- Human health and behavior
Extensions: Monitor ozone, ammonia, carbon monoxide, or other measurable pollutants and explore possible correlations between those pollutants and human health or environmental impacts.
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