Stratospheric Ozone

The lab activity described here and this Starting Point page were both created by Robert MacKay, Clark College . Much of the online data, images, and video clips referenced are based on material from NASA.

This material was originally created for Starting Point:Introductory Geology
and is replicated here as part of the SERC Pedagogic Service.

Summary

Animations clips from NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio are used to help guide students through an introductory tutorial on stratospheric ozone. Students then explore observational data from ozone-sondes, TOMS, and UARS measurements to learn about changes in stratospheric ozone over the past several decades. Measurements and model predictions are also used to help students understand future stratospheric ozone recovery scenarios.

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Learning Goals

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Key learning objects include:

  • learn about the structure of Earth's atmosphere;
  • learn about stratospheric ozone:
    • how it is produced and destroyed,
    • where it is located,
    • why it is important,
    • and how it is changing.
  • learn about the average vertical distribution of ozone and the vertical location of the ozone hole;
  • learn about ozone measurement and measurement units appropriate for ozone concentrations;
  • learn about factors that may influence the timing of the ozone hole recovery.

Context for Use

This activity and/or the online learning module is appropriate for introductory geoscience courses in which a unit on ozone is planned. The learning activity in pdf format which guides students through the learning module can easily be modified for the particular student population.

Description and Teaching Materials

Stratospheric ozone learning Module

Ozone Activity (Acrobat (PDF) 180kB Feb11 04) This is available for student download at the Stratospheric ozone learning Module link above.

Ozone Activity Answers (Acrobat (PDF) 182kB Feb11 04)

Teaching Notes and Tips

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Assessment

The teaching materials contain a student activity that can help promote student learning. A follow-up class discussion and possible exam questions related to this activity can also be used to help assess student understanding of key ideas and concepts.

References and Resources

The Stratospheric ozone learning Module provides several references for and links. Included are: Many thanks to Dr. Charles Jackman for allowing access to video clips.