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Ozone Lessons -> Core -> Will There Be Ozone Tomorrow?
  
Will There Be Ozone Tomorrow?

 --> Can the formation of ground level ozone be predicted?

Student Worksheet 

In this activity, you will use real time data to predict whether there will be ozone in your area tomorrow. You will need a computer with internet access and a copy of the Student Worksheet.

PART 1: Gather the Data

  1. In the table located in the Student Worksheet, fill in the Date column, starting with the date of 2 days ago.
     
  2. Access the AIRNow web site.
     
  3. Click on “Archives” (in the blue bar next to the U.S. map).
     
  4. Click on your state on the U.S. map.
     
  5. In the drop down menus, select the current month, year and region. Make sure to select "Ozone".
     
  6. Click on “See Map Archives".
     
  7. Click on the image for two days ago. Enter the 8 Hour Peak data into the table on the Student Worksheet.
     
  8. Click on the image for yesterday. Enter the 8 Hour Peak data into the table on the Student Worksheet.
     
  9. In the green toolbar on the left side of the page, click on "Ozone Now ". Click on "Local Air Quality Maps" underneath the U.S. map.
     
  10. Click on your state on the U.S. map.
  11. For Ozone, select your region from the dropdown menu. Make sure "Current Map" is selected. Click on "See the Map".
     
  12. In the table on the Student Worksheet, enter the highest level of ozone showing in your area today.

    Date 8 Hour Peak AQI Color Air Quality Maximum Temperature Wind Speed Events
    2 days ago          
    yesterday          
    today          
     
  13. Access the Weather Underground web site.
     
  14. Type in your city and state in the box at the top of the screen, and click “Fast Forecast”.
     
  15. Scroll down to the "Historical" area (at the bottom of the Conditions section).
     
  16. Using the drop down menu, enter the date for 2 days ago.
     
  17. Gather the Maximum Temperature and Wind Speed data (from the table at the top of the web page) for the past two days.
     
  18. Enter the data into the table on the Student Worksheet.
     
  19. Type in your city and state in the box at the top of the screen, and click “Fast Forecast”.
     
    20.
  20. Scroll down to the “Forecast” area. Summarize the predicted weather information for tomorrow and enter the data in the table on the Student Worksheet.

    Date: Forecasted Weather Conditions
       

 

PART 2: Analyze the Data

  • Use the data you have collected to answer the questions on the Student Worksheet.

 

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