Contact the state Air Quality Control Board for data during the test period. Compare data from students in different cities and states. Give each student two strips of Schoenbein paper in a sealed bag. Have students moisten the paper with distilled water and hang the test strips at two sites in or near their home. Students should record their data noting the color change they observe.
Students can then plot relative ozone concentrations on a local map.
Have students contour the map indicating areas of high and low ozone concentration. This would serve well as a scientific inquiry task and allow the teacher to assess student understanding of ozone distribution as well as the students' ability to design and conduct simple, independent experiments. A simple laboratory report on ozone distribution would be an appropriate assessment tool. If done as an inquiry task, all students should be given clear and specific directions on how to write up the lab. When you're finished with the activity, click on Back to Activities List at the top of the page to return to the activity menu.