Air Quality Check Around the Neighborhood

Particles suspended in the air are actually the cause of poor air quality. These polluting air particles are to be measured around the neighborhood in this science project. Here is a list of things that you will need.

Black permanent marker, hole punch, some string, petroleum jelly, magnifying glass, a digital camera, set of 12 card paper squares of about three inch sides. The object of the science project is to test the air quality in three different locations around the neighborhood and in your house.

Pick three locations such as the park, the school yard, the local market or any other place in the neighborhood. In each card paper square  draw a one inch large square with the marker in the middle of the card. Now punch a hole in the right top corner and run some string through it. Leave enough to tie the string from a branch or pole at your chosen location.

Add a coat of petroleum jelly to the one inch square before you tie the card paper up. Each location gets three squares ties up in different areas so make sure you write the location on the card papers. Now leave the paper squares out for a week. This is best done when its not raining.

At the end of seven days collect the card paper squares and make the following observations. Use the magnifying glass to count the number of particles stuck on the square center. Take a photograph with the digital camera. Use a close up feature to get clear results. Now you can compare the air quality in different locations of the neighborhood in the science project.