Clear the Air

This collection supports the House of Science Clear the Air kit – but it is also useful for anyone teaching about air quality.

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The big idea for the learning in this kit is ‘Air quality matters.’

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Resources are grouped according to the kit's student activities.

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If you do not have the House of Science kit, check out the Hub resources or external links.

Curriculum connections

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Learning about air quality is part of the science strands:

• Living World - Life processes
• Planet Earth and Beyond - Earth systems and Interacting systems
• Material World - Properties and changes of matter and Chemistry and society
• Nature of Science - Investigating in science and Participating and contributing

Breathe easy

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Learning objective (levels 1 -4)

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Students understand the structure and function of the human respiratory system.

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Use sources such as

• Britannica
• DK find out - Lungs and breathing

Using images

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Images are a great way to begin a discussion. Use the following images to observe and discuss the human respiratory system.

Huff and puff

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Learning Objective (levels 2-4)

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Students observe the volume of air that goes into and out of their lungs.

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Use an activity such as Lung Capacity from the Glasgow Science Centre.

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Alternatively, distribute balloons of identical sizes. Ask volunteers to use a single breath to blow up a balloon. Measure or order balloons by their volume.

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This site suggests the amount of air lungs can push out in one breath is:

• 6 year old: 3.6L
• 14 year old: 3.6L
• 20 year old: 3.9L
• 40 year old: 3.6L
• 80 year old: 2.8L

Dynamic duo

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Learning Objective (levels 2-4)

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Students model and explore the natural defence mechanisms of the respiratory tract.

How clear is the air?

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Learning Objective (levels 2-4)

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Students understand that air pollution arises from many different sources and pollutants can be man-made or naturally occurring.

Use these images to discuss types of air pollution - outdoors and indoors.

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Other images include

• Sydney Harbour Bridge during a red dust storm
• Volcanic ashfall in Tonga

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Monitor, Measure and Modify

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Learning Objective (levels 3 & 4)

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Students understand that air pollutant levels, both inside and outside, can be monitored, measured, and changed (modified).

Poor air quality caused by mould spores

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Breathing in mould spores can cause respiratory and other health problems. The World Health Organisation (WHO) believes that a considerable proportion of childhood asthma cases are due to damp and mouldy homes.

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Cold, damp houses often provide the ideal conditions for moulds to grow. When temperatures become cooler, the air is not able to hold as much moisture. The moisture condenses on surfaces like walls and windows and provides a favourable environment for mould and other microorganisms to grow.

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