Air
Photo © Thodsaphol Tamklang.
Physical Science (air, gases, air composition, air movement and temperature); Life Science (air in the body, vital lung capacity, exercise and breathing rate); Environmental Science and Health (air particles and concentrations, dust, mold, indoor air pollution, allergies)
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What Is Air? (pre-assessment)
Lesson
Students complete a pre-assessment to gauge their knowledge related to air, gases, breathing and respiration, indoor air, and environmental health.
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Gases Matter
Lesson
Students are introduced to the concept of gases. If students already have explored this topic, the lesson may be used as a review.
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About Air
Lesson
Students use different colors of popcorn to model the composition of air.
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Moving Air
Lesson
Students observe how changing the temperature affects a small amount of air inside of a bubble.
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Breathing Machine
Lesson
Students create a model that approximates how the lungs, chest, and diaphragm interact during breathing.
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Lungometer: Vital Lung Capacity
Lesson
Students gauge their own vital lung capacity—the amount of air that can be forced out of the lungs in a single breath.
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Heart and Lungs
Lesson
Students learn how to measure their breathing and pulse rates, and they explore the impact of physical activity on their measurements.
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Dust Catchers
Lesson
Students make a simple device to collect particles from the air at home or in the classroom.
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Fungus Among Us
Lesson
Students grow and observe bread mold and other kinds of common fungi.
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There's Something in the Air
Lesson
To model the movement of pollutants through the air and particle concentration, students compare the dispersal of odors, both inside and outdoors.
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Healthy Homes (post-assessment)
Lesson
Students complete a post-assessment to demonstrate what they have learned about air composition, breathing, indoor and outdoor air quality, and other subjects covered in this series of lessons.