The atmosphere, our planet’s protective shield, is a complex ecosystem that demands our attention and comprehension. To equip our students with the tools to become environmentally conscious citizens, it is imperative for us, as educators, to guide them through a comprehensive study of air pollution. This journey will lead us to explore the nuanced dynamics of acid deposition, dissect the mysteries of Photochemical smog, and grapple with the challenges posed by ozone depletion.
In the pages that follow, we aim to provide you with valuable insights, resources, and teaching strategies that will empower you to impart this crucial knowledge to your students effectively. By unraveling the intricacies of air pollution, we hope to inspire a generation that not only comprehends the scientific complexities of our atmosphere but also feels a deep sense of responsibility toward preserving and protecting the delicate balance that sustains life on Earth.
Topics
- 7.1 Acid deposition
- 7.2 Photochemical smog
- 7.3 Managing air pollution
- 7.4 Ozone depletion
Resources
Time frame
- Time frame for block schedule [90 min class period] – 3 weeks/ 8 class periods
- Time frame for regular schedule [45 -50 min class period] – 3 weeks/ 15 -16 class periods
Daily Agenda and Resources
The agenda provided is structured for block schedules with 90-minute classes. For teachers working with 40–45-minute periods, I recommend dividing each lesson into two parts:
- Day 1: Deliver the lecture content.
- Day 2: Use the bell ringer and complete the activities.
This approach ensures full coverage of the material while maintaining the intended balance between direct instruction and active learning.
The goal is to maintain an atmosphere of engagement and enthusiasm, keeping students intrigued by the subject matter and get them to pass the AICE Exam.
Note: All pacing suggestions are estimates. Adjust the time to accommodate for specific student needs and interests.
Day 1 Lesson
- 7.1 Acid deposition
Objectives
- define acid deposition
- describe the two types of acid deposition
- outline the formation of acid deposition
- outline the impacts of acid deposition on:
aquatic environments, vegetation and crops, stone and brick buildings
Instructional Materials
- Bell ringer#1
- Lecture/Notes (PPT – slides 1 -11)
- Student Guided Notes
- “Environmental Management in Context: Air quality index and real time air pollution monitoring” – page 274 -275 (Coursebook)
- 7.1 Questions 1-3 page 282 (Coursebook)
Day 2 Lesson
- Hands-on activity
Objectives
- Practical – the effect of acid deposition on plant growth
Day 3 Lesson
- 7.2 Photochemical smog
- 7.3 Managing air pollution
Objectives
- define Photochemical smog
- describe the impacts of Photochemical smog
- describe strategies for managing air pollution
Instructional Materials
- Bell ringer#3
- Lecture/Notes (PPT – slides 12 -17)
- Case Study -Air pollution in the Greater Cairo region – page 282 -284 (Coursebook)
- Practice questions 1 and 3 – page 296 -299 (Coursebook)
Day 4 Lesson
- Quiz
- 7.4 Ozone depletion
Objectives
- outline how ozone depletion occurs
- define the term ozone hole
- explain why ozone depletion has been greatest over Antarctica
- describe the impacts of ozone depletion due to the increased amounts of ultraviolet radiation
Instructional Materials
- Bell ringer#4
- Lecture/Notes (PPT – slides 18 -22)
- QUIZ
- 7.3 Questions 1- 2 -page 292 (Coursebook)
- Practice Questions page 298 – question 2 (Coursebook)
Day 5 Lesson
- 7.4 Ozone depletion
- Review
Objectives
- evaluate the international agreements used
to reduce and phase out the use of ozone
depleting substances - outline the impacts associated with the use
of some alternatives to ozone depleting
substances - outline the importance of experimental
evidence to support a hypothesis, using the ozone destruction hypothesis suggested by Rowland-Molina as an example
Instructional Materials
- Bell ringer#5
- Lecture/Notes (PPT – slides 22 -26)
- Managing the Atmosphere Task Cards
Day 6 Lesson
- Students will practice how to write an evaluative essay.
Objectives
- Students will practice how to write an evaluative essay.
Instructional Materials
- Bell ringer#6
- Case Studies and Practice Essay Topics
Day 7 Lesson
- Practice AICE Style Questions
Objectives
- review
Instructional Materials
- Bell ringer#7
- Practice questions AICE Style
- Puzzle Game
Day 8 Lesson
- Test Managing the Atmosphere
- Introduction to Unit#8 –students copy vocabulary words from the coursebook
Objectives
- unit assessment
- Introduction to Unit#8 –students copy vocabulary words from the coursebook
Instructional Materials
- Bell ringer#8
- TEST
Exposing students to proper blend of lecture, practice activities and questions is of paramount importance for their success on the Cambridge exam.
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