Does Air Particulate Matter?
Who we are:
We are an Advanced Placement Environmental Science class at La Jolla High School located near San Diego in California.
Who you are:
You are any science student currently studying or interested in air particulate matter. You are looking for a simple, fun project where you collect air particulate matter and collaborate with other classes around the world performing the same activity.
What you need:
Internet access is a must. Being familiar with Google Docs is helpful but not required. There are step by step directions if you are unfamiliar with the program. A desire to view data collected from around the world. You also need a few minor supplies: string, 12 3x5 cards, and vaseline.
When:
This project will be open 24/7. We are creating a database that will always be available.
Where:
This projects home base is in La Jolla, California. Within the site there are instructions on how to perform the simple procedure to acquire air particulate data. Student participants communicate with each other through the site blog.
Why:
This project allows you to quantify air particulate matter in your area and compare it to other locations around the world that has been acquired in the same manner by other students. There is also a collaborative aspect as you communicate with other participating classes about local particulate matter and possible sources. You also research the effects of air particulate matter on both plants and humans. Air pollution (particulate matter) is one of the topics covered on the AP Environmental Science Exam the first Monday in May.
How:
Google Docs is used to store and view data. You may upload your data at any time. Uploading instructions are available. If you need any help you may email me at aquesnell@sandi.net. Previous stored data is always available for comparison. There is a site blog that allows you to post and reply to other participating classes. At the end of the project there are analysis questions that have students search for causes of particulate matter and effects on plant and human health.
Aaron I love how you categorized your work so that it was easy for me to see the break down. The use of Google Docs as a resource is a good call. It is one of my favorites to use with my students. The widely available project (24/7) is great, however just make sure that students are collaborating with each other over a certain period of time, meaning you won't have that same group of students forever. I can see students being engaged in the research of air in their area and would include the step by step instructions to acquire data in your site. Prof Laura also suggested that we not use our e-mail as a contact so that we are not bombarded with e-mails. Instead use comments on your site. I like that students will be collaborating through posts, but is there a required amount or time in which they should have each one done? Also, the search at the end of the project seems like a good way to end it, yet they should perhaps be sharing out this information in a creative way. Possibly by using the Google Projects option? Sounds like you are heading it a great direction!
ReplyDeleteAt first glance, I love the organization and the simplicity of the text. It is not overwhelming to glance at and seems easy to read. In your “Who” sections the wording of the “Who you are:” section seems a little funny. It’s almost as if you are telling me who I HAVE to be in order to participate. Perhaps it’s too specific.
ReplyDeleteIn the “What you need” section this is good because it’s short and straight to the point. The mention of Google Docs seems orphaned though because I am not sure why I might need to know about it but it’s not required.
In your “When” section, I am not sure I understand the reference to 24/7. I know what that phrase means and I understand that the database will be accessible at any point but I guess what’s missing here is the duration of commitment I have to give to participate. If my class signs up to participate are we committed for the year? For a semester? What kind of time commitment are we making?
I would like the “Where” section to be more specific as to where it could be going on versus where it started. Something along the lines of “This project is taking place in classrooms and communities around the world.”
In the “How” section, what do I do if I do not have access to Google Docs? Is this a deal breaker? Can I participate by submitting my data some other way? Perhaps a form on a website to submit my data?
I know that’s a lot of comments but I really do like the clarity you already have on your project versus where it started. ☺