Studying Air Quality

Is it possible to collect primary evidence in urban areas?

Examination Board Learning Objectives

• OCR Science A - C1 Air Quality

C1.1 Which chemicals make up air, and which ones are pollutants? How do I make sense of data about air pollution?

How Science Works Objectives

Assessment Objective 3 (AO3):Practical, enquiry and data-handling skillsCandidates should be able to:• carry out practical tasks safely and skillfully;• evaluate the methods they use when collecting

first-hand and secondary data;• analyse and interpret qualitative and quantitative

data from different sources;• consider the validity and reliability of data in

presenting and justifying conclusions.

Describe this picture…

Why wear a mask?

Where does pollution go?

Where is the best place to have refreshment facilities?

These are the opinions of two people

What do they need to do to justify their claims?

You need to help them…

Where is it best to have refreshment facilities?

I am an extremely busy commuter whom pays my council tax. I can not believe the council are considering putting refreshment facilities so far away from the road!

What? Air pollution from sources such as cars, will be carried by the wind into the

marshes! The pollution levels will ultimately be the same!

Don’t be so silly dear! Air pollution will be highly concentrated near to the source; and thus situating the café should be away from this …

Well of course the council are considering such a placement… there are unseen risks near to the road

Pollution of course – do you not read the papers? Having cafes etc. near to the road will bring you into contact with more SOx, NOx and sooty particles… that’s without mentioning all that noise pollution.

Unseen risks!! What risks can be so unseen that I will be unable to use the facilities when I am in a hurry….

Where is it best to live in your area?

I live near the main road at the bottom of the Heath near excellent transport links. My house is the same size as the homes at the top of the hill but has been valued as less by my estate agent!

Well obviously I live at the top of the hill. I have a bicycle as transport links are limited. But my home is worth a lot more than yours due to the unseen risks

Unseen risks!! What risks can be so unseen that they leave my house £50,000 cheaper than yours?

Pollution of course – do you not read the papers? Living near to the road will bring you into contact with more SOx, NOx and sooty particles… that’s without mentioning all that noise pollution.

What? Air pollution from sources such as cars, will be carried by the wind up the hill! The pollution levels will ultimately be the

same!

Don’t be so silly dear! Air pollution will be highly concentrated near to the source; and thus

your home and not mine…

Where is the best place to live in this area?

These are the opinions of two people

What do they need to do to justify their claims?

You need to help them….

Possible methods

• Sticky tape 5cm in length

• 2m height up tree• Apply pressure• Remove and place on

to sheet

Other methods?

History & Safety

Reviewing methods….. Let’s go!

Particles on sticky tape

Particles on selotape

Post fieldwork

1. Sampling the sample…

2. Calculating the average percentage cover.

3. Plotting the data.

4. Analysing the data.

5. Can we bring evidence to the argument?

6. New scenarios – what if…?