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TAKE A BREATH CHAPTER INTRODUCTION

RELATED LESSON PLAN
Inquiry Project: Weather Forecast (in printable PDF format)

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Even if we don’t usually realize it, we are surrounded by gas. Our planet is covered by an atmosphere composed mainly by nitrogen, as well as oxygen, argon, carbon dioxide and tiny amounts of other gases. Earth’s atmosphere has a profound influence on many phenomena that occur on our planet. For example, it prevents solar heat from escaping, making temperature suitable for the development of life. Air molecules also cause solar light to scatter and make the blue and red colors of the sky. All living things are air-breathing creatures which exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide with the atmosphere. Even the weather can be forecasted by looking at air temperature and pressure.

Take a Deep Breath provides information about air that can be connected in multiple ways to classroom inquiry projects. For example, students can create a weather station to predict local weather conditions, investigate how particles causes light to scatter and originate the sky colors we see at different times of the day, or create a model of the Earth atmosphere. Students can also investigate the sources of air pollution and learn how to take care of the air by building a green roof or engaging in a community campaign to promote the use of bicycles.

Bringing students’ resources into the science classroom
Why do we need air for survival? What would happen if the Earth did not have any atmosphere? Middle school students often have questions regarding the topic of air that can be used to initiate inquiry projects such as investigating the amount of air that we can hold in our lungs, measuring oxygen production by plants or researching the variation of air pressure with height and the effects of a lower pressure of oxygen for mountain climbers.

Moreover, students can investigate their neighborhood sources of air pollution and calculate how much pollution they are sending out into the atmosphere in their everyday activities such as traveling by car or using an air conditioner. They can later use their knowledge to create a local campaign to make their communities aware of the ways they can improve air quality and the effects of air pollution on human health.

Lastly, the lesson Weather Forecast provides an example of how students can work as amateur meteorologists recording weather data such as air pressure levels. By analyzing weather data students can find patterns that allow them to make predictions about future weather conditions.

RELATED LESSON PLAN
Inquiry Project: Weather Forecast (in printable PDF format)