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K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

School bus fumes

http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/sci_update.cfm?DocID=267

A lesson plan for grade 7 Science

Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science


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In this Science Update, students explore a recent study that suggests that passengers inside buses might suffer more from exhaust than those outside. School buses are more vulnerable to self-pollution than regular cars, largely because many of them still use diesel fuel, and because they seem to be built in a way that allows more of the exhaust to escape into the vehicle. Science NetLinks provides a link to the audio file, a written transcript, and questions that engage students in a discussion about bus emissions and the types of buses that are most likely to self-pollute. Students also examine possible methods to curtail this problem. The lesson also provides links to the Urban Measurement of Aerosols and Asthma Project from Goddard Space Flight Center.

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

Science (2005)

Grade 7

  • Goal 1: The learner will design and conduct investigations to demonstrate an understanding of scientific inquiry.
    • Objective 1.01: Identify and create questions and hypotheses that can be answered through scientific investigations.
    • Objective 1.02: Develop appropriate experimental procedures for:
      • Given questions.
      • Student generated questions.
    • Objective 1.04: Analyze variables in scientific investigations:
      • Identify dependent and independent.
      • Use of a Control.
      • Manipulate.
      • Describe relationships between.
      • Define operationally.
    • Objective 1.05: Analyze evidence to:
      • Explain observations.
      • Make inferences and predictions.
      • Develop the relationship between evidence and explanation.
    • Objective 1.07: Prepare models and/or computer simulations to:
      • Test hypotheses.
      • Evaluate how data fit.
    • Objective 1.08: Use oral and written language to:
      • Communicate findings.
      • Defend conclusions of scientific investigations.
    • Objective 1.09: Use technologies and information systems to:
      • Research.
      • Gather and analyze data.
      • Visualize data.
      • Disseminate findings to others.
  • Goal 3: The learner will conduct investigations and utilize appropriate technologies and information systems to build an understanding of the atmosphere.
    • Objective 3.03: Conclude that the good health of environments and organisms requires:
      • The monitoring of air quality.
      • Taking steps to maintain healthy air quality.
      • Stewardship.
    • Objective 3.04: Evaluate how humans impact air quality including:
      • Air quality standards
      • Point and non-point sources of air pollution in North Carolina.
      • Financial and economic trade-offs.
      • Local air quality issues.