We are in the process of developing Lesson Plans specifically for the GO3 Project. The curriculum will be made available for free downloads here. In the meantime, we recommend the following two Power Point presentations as an excellent introduction to the environmental problem of ground-level ozone pollution. These modules were authored by Sabrina Chrzanowski and Dr. Dennis Decoteau of Pennsylvania State University with financial support from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and Reliant Energy. The modules also are posted at the Penn State Air Quality Learning and Demonstration Center website.

The two modules are available for direct download from this site. Each module consists of 38 Power Point slides, and because of the large amount of material covered, discussion probably should be spread over at least four 50-minute class sessions. The animated presentations have suggested questions for discussion.

Penn State Ozone Curriculum

Ozone Pollution Module Overview

Module 1: (This is a large file, so please download before trying to open.) Consists of an introduction to the atmosphere, the history of air pollution and Federal regulations, the mechanism for ozone formation in the lower atmosphere, difference between "good" ozone in the stratosphere and "bad" ozone in the troposphere, and ozone transport.

Module 2: (This is a large file, so please download before trying to open.) Focuses on the effects of ozone on plants and human health with discussion of ozone exposure studies and economic consequences of ozone damage to crops.

QuickTime Movie: (This is a large file, so please download before trying to open by using a right click and choosing "Save Target As".) A tour of the Penn State Air Quality Learning and Demonstration Center showing open-top ozone exposure chambers, comparisons between ozone-sensitive and ozone-resistant plants, and comparisons between plants exposed to ambient levels of ozone and those partially protected from ozone.

Other Sources

You also are encouraged to explore the links to lesson plans developed by other organizations provided on our Ozone Teaching Resources page.