Interactive Models
Criteria Pollutants
Overview
Students will review the six criteria pollutants for which the EPA has established standards for and describe their impacts on human health and the environment.
Materials Required
- Computer/Tablet
- Internet Access
- Google Sheet (optional) - Link
- Link to Criteria Pollutants Interactive Model
Teacher Note
Teachers who are interested in receiving the answer key, please complete the Teacher Key Request and Verification Form. We verify that requestors are teachers prior to sending access to the answer keys as we’ve had many students try to pass as teachers to gain access.
Supported NGSS Performance Expectations
- MS-ESS3-3: Apply scientific principles to design a method for monitoring and minimizing a human impact on the environment.
- MS-ESS3-4: Construct an argument supported by evidence for how increases in human population and per-capita consumption of natural resources impact Earth's systems.
- HS-ESS3-4: Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems.
- HS-ESS2-2: Analyze geoscience data to make the claim that one change to Earth's surface can create feedbacks that cause changes to other Earth systems.
- Review the six criteria pollutants for which the EPA has established standards for.
- Differentiate between the pollutant sources, their health impacts, and their application to Earth Science.
- Describe what an aerosol is and its impact on the Earth System.
- What are the different sources of the six criteria pollutants?
- How does air pollution affect human health?
- Why does NASA study air pollution?
- What are aerosols and what are their impact on the Earth System?
- Internet Required
Complementary Models
Complementary Mini Lessons
Grade Band
- 6-8
- 9-12
Time
- 50 minutes
