7
Perform and observe the Vaseline test.
Sheet
Where was this located?
How many dirt particles does it have?
Dirtiest Sheet
Cleanest Sheet
Answers
Background Information:
Breathing is crucial for human existence, but is the air we breathe
clean? This experiment will provide students with an example of
how “dirty” our air is. Students have the opportunity to choose a
location where they would like to examine the air quality.
Observation:
Using your magnifying glass, count the number of particles that
are visible that are stuck to your squares. In your notebook or in
the space provided below, draw the particles where you would
find them from each individual square.
Conclusion:
Breathing clean air is very important for our lungs and our overall
health. The Vaseline that had been used on the square cut outs
was designed to collect air particles. You may have noticed that
air pollutant particles can be big or small, and colored or
colorless. The air particles that you observed are made up of
dust, soot, smoke, and other chemicals that can be inhaled can
block the movement of oxygen into the lungs. Higher particle
concentrations are caused from areas with large populations with
increased manufacturing and automobile emissions.
Required Materials:
• White posterboard (paper plates could also work)
• Scissors
• Hole punch
• Magnifying glass
• String
• Vaseline
• Permanent marker
• Notebook
• Pencil