This unit begins with learning set one. It is this connection that establishes the meaningfulness for the project. Students take and administer a community survey that asks community members their perceptions of the quality of air in their community. Students then collect, organize and analyze the survey data. Throughout the unit, students look back at this anchoring event to contextualize science concepts.
Students participate in several investigations while taking a closer look at the driving question.
The molecular structure of air and properties of molecules, atoms, elements, and compounds are explored in learning set two. Learning set three begins by reviewing the phases of matter and chemical and physical changes. Learning set four allows the students to construct a final response, using the data from the Environmental Protection Agency. The project concludes with a final response to the driving question that requires a synthesis of all of their previous project experiences.