Biology 20 - Investigation

Atmospheric Pollutants
1. INTRODUCTION
In addition to altering the carbon dioxide concentration in the
atmosphere, human activities have also produced changes in the
amounts of other trace gases - those gases found in very small
quantities in the air. Table 1.7 shows the major trace gases, their
sources, and approximate concentrations over time.
2. PLANNING AND DESIGNING
Problem
How can the accumulation of harmful gases in the atmosphere be
decreased?
Background Information
Prediction
Experimental Design

Materials

resources as required

3. PERFORMING AND RECORDING

Procedure
1.

Study Table 1.7, which list the main sources of various gases in the atmosphere and changes in their
concentration over time.

2.

Together with your group, choose one of the gases to study.

3.

Use books, periodicals, videos, and other references from your school, town, government, and
university libraries to gather data about your chosen gas.

4.

Decide who in your group will be responsible for each part of the investigation.

5.

The purpose of your research is to discover how the gas gets into the atmosphere, if the gas leaves the
atmosphere, what role human activities play in its production, whether its concentration has changed
over time and what impact these changes might have (e.g., is the gas connected with global worming?
Acid rain? Ozone depletion? Soil Composition? Fresh water chemistry?)

6.

Organize the data collected by your group and identify any important gaps in the information (e.g., do
you know how the gas produces its effects? Can you write the formulas for the chemical reactions
involved?)

7.

Obtain additional information to fill these gaps and complete your research.

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Biology 20 - Investigation

Atmospheric Pollutants
Evidence

4. ANALYZING AND APPLYING

Analysis
1.

Based on the information your group gathered, develop a list of things that governments, industries,
and individuals might do to reduce the harmful impact of the gas.

2.

Prepare your team's findings for a presentation to the class, in a format that will be agreed on with your
teacher. The presentation could be a talk, poster, video, brochure, or in some other form.

3.

Include an evaluation of the group activity with your presentation. The evaluation will identify the
roles played by each team member and their contribution (written) to the final report.

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Biology 20 - Investigation

Atmospheric Pollutants
Application
1.

Choose one of the solutions proposed for reducing the harmful impact of a gas. Try to implement this
solution as far as you can (e.g., by writing to politicians or corporations, changing part of your lifestyle, or developing and implementing an educational program for the people in your community).

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