Smog City Project
Objective: During this project, you will demonstrate the ability to (1) observe conditions that lead to the formation of smog, (2) identify variables that affect the outcome of a simulation, (3) form an hypothesis, (4) control and manipulate variables to test your hypothesis, (5) record what happens, and (6) develop a policy recommendation based on your simulation experience.
We will work as a whole class to complete an information organizer on the topic of smog. You will be able to answer the following questions.
What is smog?
How does smog form?
What is an inversion layer?
Why is California prone to inversions?
What is the air quality index?
You will work with a partner to complete the following observations at Smog City (as per directions at Smog City).
Press the Reset button, then increase population to the maximum. Press Start. What emissions settings do you change to move ozone levels into the healthy range?
Press the Reset button, then increase the population and turn the emissions knobs to the maximum settings. Change the weather conditions. Press Start. What happens to ozone levels?
Press the Reset button, then change the weather controls (set maximum temperature to 120°F, create a low inversion level, calm winds, and sunny skies), then increase population to the maximum. Press Start. What happens?
Press the Reset button, then set the temperature to 110°F and winds to calm. Vary the emissions knobs, press Start, and discover which source contributes the most to ozone air pollution.
5. Identify the variables and their effect on air quality.
Working as a Table you will test combinations of weather, population, and emissions to see the effect on air quality.
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Become familiar with the control panel. Then go to Smog City.
Day 3- Testing your hypothesis
You will work as a table group to:
Day 4- Presenting your research
Your table will