Activity Title - What's Up With the Ozone?

Goal/Objective

To identify the causes of ozone depletion and to know how that information affects everyday life.

Lesson Outline/Introduction

The damage to the ozone layer has been brought to our attention by the news. People need to be aware of what kinds of things damage the ozone and become conscious of things that people themselves do to contribute to the damage. The consequence of further ozone damages may present some environmental problems for the earth's population.

Activity

Have the students brainstorm the causes of the ozone depletion. Make a chart listing the causes, and discuss how each cause may contribute to the damage of the ozone layer, and what affect each has on the earth. Also discuss what effects the ozone damage has on people's lives.

Debriefing/Evaluation Activity

Discuss the need for students to be aware of the causes of ozone depletion, and how they can use products that are safer for the ozone layer.

Materials, Texts, Realia, Handouts

• Pens and paper
• Websites for material include:
  
  The Museum of Science, Art and Human Perception
  
  
  National Aeronautics and
  Space Administration

Extension Activity

Students may wish to research if space travels affects the ozone. Because there may be more causes for the depletion of the ozone, have students research and report their finding to the class.

ESE Accommodations

• Pair the students
• Provide definitions of terms
• Allow student to report verbally, in writing or through drawings or models

Real-Life Connection

Have students conduct a survey of their home, car, and community for possible items that could cause damage to the ozone. Have students discuss their findings with the class with possible solutions.

Activity Title - What's Up With the Ozone?

Introduction

Ask: What is the ozone? Discussion should be centered on how the ozone is a layer around the earth and it's importance in keeping out harmful rays of the sun.

Ask: What do I mean by damage to the ozone? Answers should include such things as holes, and thinning of the ozone, etc.

Main Activity

Say: Let's brainstorm the known causes of the damages to the ozone.

Make a chart that lists all causes that the students identify. The chart should include things such as chlorofluorocarbons, ferns, aerosols and vehicle and industry pollution. The chart may include products that contain these elements.

Ask: How does damage to the ozone affect your life?

The discussion should include things such as more sunlight, stronger sun exposure, increased temperatures on the planet, health hazards such as sunburns or cancer, effects on animals and plant life, etc.

Closure/Conclusion

Ask: Is there anything that you can do to slow down the depletion of the ozone layer? Do you currently use products that damage the ozone? How will knowing about the products that damage the ozone affect the way you use them?

Follow-up lessons/Activities

Have the students discuss what the effects might be to the earth if the ozone is severely damaged and what would the affect be on their own lives.