It's a Bird. It's a Plane. No, It's an Aerosol!

Purpose: To measure aerosols in the atmosphere

Materials

• 4 index cards per group
• graphing paper
• glue
• clear contact paper
• data collection chart

Procedure

1. To create your aerosol collection cards, cut graph paper the size of each index card and glue the paper to the card.
2. Cut clear contact paper the size of the index card and glue the top side of the contact paper to the top of the graph paper.
3. On the day of data collection, write the date on the back of the card, then carefully peel the backing off the contact paper, exposing the sticky side.
4. Set the card outside in an area where it will not be disturbed for 24 hours.
5. Collect your card at the end of the 24-hour period and count the number of visible particles that have stuck to the contact paper. Use the grids of the graph paper to help count.
6. Record your data in the data collection chart.
7. Share your data with other groups and calculate a class average for the number of particles for that date.
8. Repeat Steps 2-6 for four more days by placing cards each day in a different location.
9. After day four of data collection, calculate an average number of particles for each group for the week.
10. Use those averages to calculate an average number of particles for the class for the week.

Conclusion

1. Why is it important to take an average of your weekly data?
2. Why is it important to locate the data cards in various locations?
3. Why is it important to take a class average?
4. Using your data, can you determine if your air is polluted? Why or why not?
5. What factors could affect the amount of aerosols in the air?

Data Collection Chart

Group	Day 1 # of aerosols	Day 2 # of aerosols	Day 3 # of aerosols	Day 4 # of aerosols	Avg. for Week
Group 1
Group 2
Group 3
Group 4
Group 5
Avg. for the Day					Class Avg. for the Week: