Lab 9: Smog City
- LCHS Physical Science
 LCHS Main SiteSD271 Main siteUof I New Century Classroom  
Objectives: The learner will...
...use a simulator program to explore the factors that contribute to air pollution
...select and apply technology tools for research, information analysis, problem-solving, and decision-making in content learning. (NETS 4, 5)
...investigate and apply simulations in real-world situations. (NETS 3, 5, 6)
 


Purpose:
Smog City is an interactive air pollution simulator that shows how your choices, environmental factors, and land use contribute to air pollution. In Smog City you're in control so your visit can be a healthy or unhealthy experience depending on the decisions you make.

Setup:
Run the Smog City Program on the classroom computers, or check out the classroom CD, or CLICK HERE to download. Below is a screenshot of this browser simulation.

Procedure:

  1. Set the Population and Emission controls to current levels (see above diagram)
  2. Set Weather Conditions to 80 degrees, High Inversion layer, Windy Wind, Cloudy Skies
  3. Set the variables according to the chart below, Click START and observe both the OZONE levels and the Health Effects meters. Notice the peak AND duration (width) on the graphical ozone indicator
  4. Record the Health Effects for each setting on the chart
  5. Adjust everything to the worst possible settings and then systematically determine which emission type is the worst.
  6. Answer the questions below
Analysis:
Temp
80,110 		Inversion
low,high		 Wind
calm,windy		 Skies
clear, cloudy		 Population
current, double		 Health Effects
1 (healthy) - 6 (hazardous)
80 high windy cloudy current  
110 high windy cloudy current  
80 low windy cloudy current  
80 high calm cloudy current  
80 high windy clear current  
80 high windy cloudy double  
110 low calm clear double
  1. Which variable above had the most most significant environmental impact?
  2. Which variable above had the least significant environmental impact?
  3. Which type of emission has the greatest effect and why?
  4. What solutions do you have to this problem?

Finally, update your website with the details of this lab experience including a descriptive summary, all data, and conclusions! Show the instructor a hard copy of this experiment and your web synopsis. (Lab web entry graded according to this rubric).