Author: Sahiti Bulusu; Sources: TN, EPA, Unsplash

Ozone Depletion

INTRODUCTION

Ozone depletion is leading to huge problems. For example, increased amounts of UV radiation reaching the Earth is leading to health problems like skin cancer.

“Language is the soul’s ozone layer and we thin it at our peril” – Sven Birkets

 

ACTIVITY

Gumdrop Ozone Depletion Model: Battling for Oxygen

Materials: Gumdrops and toothpicks// Duration: 10 -15minutes (needs 2 people)

  • Set up the game by modeling the atmosphere and building 100 oxygen and ozone molecules.

  • Make two teams and set a timer for a minute. In that minute, one team makes oxygen and ozone molecules while the other team disassembles them.

  • Count the molecules after the timer ends.

LESSON

Ozone depletion is a global issue that can lead to dire consequences. Though strides are being made to reduce this problem (like the Montreal protocol), the ozone layer is still being destroyed, even if at a slower pace.

 
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