Helena Joyce
Air pollution is a serious issue that affects the quality of the air we breathe. While there are many ways to combat this problem, one simple method is to create a pollution catcher. Making a pollution catcher is a great homeschool science project for kids as it is easy and enjoyable. All you need is a paper plate, petroleum jelly, string or yarn, and a pen to create a fun and educational activity that can be done at home with everyday items. By hanging the pollution catcher in different locations, you can observe and compare the amount of pollution in various areas, raising awareness about the importance of clean air.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To see dirt in the air |
| Materials | Paper plate, hole punch, Vaseline, yarn or string, crayons, scissors, white paper, cardboard, tape |
| Steps | Cut out a piece of cardboard, make a hole in the center top, cut a piece of string as long as the distance between your elbow and fingertips, pass it through the hole and tie a knot, cut out a piece of white paper to fit on top of the cardboard, apply Vaseline |
| Results | Pollution particles will be stuck to the Vaseline |
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What You'll Learn
- Gather simple materials: paper plate, hole punch, Vaseline, yarn, crayons
- Cut cardboard to hand size, make a central hole, thread string through
- Cut white paper to fit cardboard, layer Vaseline on top
- Hang pollution catcher outside, check regularly for particles
- Discuss findings: are particles visible Does location affect results
Gather simple materials: paper plate, hole punch, Vaseline, yarn, crayons
To make a pollution catcher, you will need to gather some simple materials: a paper plate, a hole punch, Vaseline, yarn, and crayons.
First, take your paper plate and use the hole punch to make two holes, one on each side of the plate. If you don't have a hole punch, you can use a pencil to poke the holes. These holes will be used to hang your pollution catcher, so make sure they are big enough for your yarn or string to fit through. You can use a shoelace if you don't have yarn or string. This is a fun science experiment that you can make with things you have at home!
Next, take your yarn or string and thread it through the holes, making a knot to secure it. This will create a loop that you can use to hang your pollution catcher. Decide where you want to hang it—it could be on a tree, in your backyard, or even out of your window (with an adult's help). Make sure the yarn or string is long enough for the desired location.
Now, you can use your crayons to decorate your pollution catcher. You can draw a picture or write a message on one side of the plate. For example, you could draw a fish or a clean earth to represent your desire for less pollution. Be creative and use this as an opportunity to express your artistic side!
The final step is to add the Vaseline to your pollution catcher. Take the petroleum jelly, also known as Vaseline, and carefully apply a thin coat to one side of the paper plate. This side will be the one that catches the pollutants in the air. Now your pollution catcher is ready to hang!
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Cut cardboard to hand size, make a central hole, thread string through
To make a pollution catcher, start by cutting a piece of cardboard to the size of your hand. You can use a variety of tools to cut the cardboard, including a utility knife, hobby knife, box cutter, contractor's knife, or scissors. Just make sure the blade is sharp, as cardboard can dull edges quickly.
Once you have your hand-sized piece of cardboard, you'll need to create a central hole. One way to do this is by using a compass to draw a circle in the centre of the cardboard. A compass is a hinged instrument with two arms – one with a sharp point and the other with a pencil. Adjust the compass to the desired radius, place the sharp point in the centre of your cardboard, and then twist the top while pushing down on the needle to draw a circle.
Another method for marking the circle is to use a thumbtack and a piece of string or yarn. Place the thumbtack in the centre of the cardboard, loop the string over it, and then stretch the string taut. Place a pencil at the outer edge of the string and move it around the thumbtack, pressing down to mark the circle.
Now that you have your circle marked, it's time to cut it out. Use a sharp craft knife or box cutter to make small strokes along the circle. Don't try to cut all the way through the cardboard in one go, as this can result in an uneven cut or even injury. Instead, make multiple passes, applying light pressure, until you cut through the cardboard.
With your central hole cut out, you can now thread string through it. You can use a regular piece of string, or if you want to get creative, try using yarn or thin rope. The length of the string will depend on how you plan to hang or display your pollution catcher.
Finally, decorate your pollution catcher as you see fit. You can paint it, add glitter or stickers, or leave it as is. Your pollution catcher is now ready to be hung up and put to use!
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Cut white paper to fit cardboard, layer Vaseline on top
To make a pollution catcher, you will need scissors, cardboard, white paper, Vaseline, and string or cord.
First, cut out a square or rectangular piece of cardboard that is roughly the size of your open hand. Then, use your scissors or a pencil to make a hole in the centre top of the cardboard. Be careful not to hurt yourself! Cut a piece of string as long as the distance between your elbow and fingertips, and thread it through the hole. Tie the two ends of the string together with a knot.
Now, take your white paper and cut out a square or rectangular shape that fits on top of the cardboard. You can use tape to stick the paper down, placing a piece of tape across each corner.
Finally, layer Vaseline on top of the paper. Use your fingers or a butter knife to spread it evenly across the surface. Your pollution catcher is now ready to use! Hang it outside, and check back after a week or so to see the pollution particles that have been caught.
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Hang pollution catcher outside, check regularly for particles
Once you've made your pollution catcher, it's time to hang it outside and start collecting data on air pollution. Hanging your pollution catcher is simple. First, find an area where you can hang your catcher. This could be in your yard, outside your window, or even in a busy area to compare with a less busy location. Next, using a pen or another sharp object, carefully poke or punch a hole in your paper plate, index card, or cardstock paper. Pull the string through the hole, ensuring it is long enough for your chosen hanging location. Now, hang your pollution catcher at your desired location.
After hanging your pollution catcher, it's important to regularly check it for particles. Check your catcher every few days to see if it has collected any particles. Depending on the air quality in your area, you may see particles stuck to the petroleum jelly within a week. If you live in an area with clean air, be patient as it may take a little longer to collect any significant amount of particles.
By examining the particles collected on your pollution catcher, you can gain valuable insights into the air quality in your surroundings. You can also compare the number of particles collected in different locations to determine if certain areas are more polluted than others. For example, you can compare the number of particles collected between a park and a busy road. Additionally, you can consider placing one catcher in a busier area and another in a quieter location to compare the amount of pollution in each place.
To facilitate your observations, it is helpful to write down the date and location of each pollution catcher before hanging it. This information will be valuable when you retrieve the catchers for examination. By regularly checking your pollution catchers and recording your findings, you can develop a better understanding of the air quality in your environment and the factors that contribute to air pollution.
Remember to exercise caution when hanging your pollution catchers in high places, and always seek adult assistance if needed.
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Discuss findings: are particles visible? Does location affect results?
The particles caught by a pollution catcher are visible. However, it is important to note that not all air pollution is visible to the naked eye. Some air pollution, such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, is invisible. The particles collected by the pollution catcher are larger airborne particles, which can be seen stuck to the Vaseline after a week or so of placing the catcher outdoors. The time taken to collect visible particles may vary depending on the level of air pollution in the area.
The location of the pollution catcher does affect the results. Placing the catcher in different locations, such as near a big road or in a park, will yield different amounts of particles collected. A pollution catcher placed in a heavily polluted area, such as a big city or an area with known air pollution, is likely to collect more particles than one placed in an area with cleaner air. Therefore, the location of the pollution catcher directly impacts the number of particles caught and the time taken to collect them.
The simple design of the pollution catcher, made with readily available materials such as cardboard, white paper, string or cord, scissors, and Vaseline, allows for easy replication and placement in multiple locations. This enables a direct comparison of air quality between different areas. For example, by placing catchers in locations with varying levels of vehicle traffic or industrial activity, one can observe the impact of human activity on air pollution levels.
It is important to note that the particles collected by the pollution catcher are larger particles present in the air. There may be smaller particles or gaseous pollutants present that are not captured by this method. Additionally, the catcher does not indicate the specific type of pollutant particle collected, only their presence. Further analysis would be required to identify the specific pollutants present in the air.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need cardboard, scissors, Vaseline or petroleum jelly, white paper, string or cord, and tape.
First, cut out a square or rectangular piece of cardboard that is roughly the size of your open hand. Then, make a hole in the centre top of the cardboard and cut a piece of string that is about the length of your forearm. Pull the string through the hole and tie the ends together. Cut out a square or rectangle of white paper and tape it to the cardboard. Finally, spread a thin layer of Vaseline or petroleum jelly on the paper.
You can place your pollution catcher in different locations to compare the levels of pollution, such as in your home, in a yard, in a park, or near a busy road. Hang the catcher at about elbow height and make sure it is secure.
