The experiments at the Science Buddies website discuss how to measure the number of air particles in a variety of rooms around the house or school. Expand the experiment to determine if factors such as air conditioning or open windows affect the results. Modify directions from the Julian T Rubin website to compare the effectiveness of furnace filters or small air filters. California Sate Science Fair project S0807 outlines an experiment to discover if carpets affect air quality. Expand the experiment to include different types of window, such as drapes versus blinds. Test the level of particulates in a room that has been recently dusted and continue to test at regular intervals to determine when the highest level of particulars are found.
Compare the number of particles in air inside and outside with the experiment from the National Energy Education Development Project. Modify the experiment to test different outdoor locations for a variation in pollution. Determine if the level of air pollution varies during the week or by distance from roads and factories. Research the level of air quality for several major cities throughout the Unites States on the Environmental Protection Agency Air Now website. Determine who has the best air quality and any contributing factors such as weather or level of industry. Determine what commonly burned materials create the most black-carbon particulate by following the California State Science Fair Project J0907 instructions.
Air pollution inside and out can affect the health of children and adults. Indoor pollutants can include cigarette smoke, mold, dust or chemical fumes from a variety of household cleaning products. Outdoor pollutants include particulates, carbon dioxide and regional contaminants as well. Ultra-fine particles in the air can affect respiration and the heart. Use the California State Science Fair project S1808 to test how these ultra-fine particles affect breathing in mice. Test the lung capacities of students to see if there is a difference according to where they live. Research what pollutants can cause asthma attacks.