TAKE A BREATH CHAPTER INTRODUCTION
RELATED LESSON PLAN
Inquiry Project: Weather Forecast
(in printable PDF format)
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)