Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences

Earthworks
Earth System Science for Secondary Teachers

Dick Martyr (Earthworks 2001)

Atmospheric Chemistry/Meteorology Project

Who: 9^th 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.