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Published byRonald Robertson Modified over 9 years ago
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Welcome to the Air Cleaning Department 1
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2 Every place on Earth is an ecosystem, including our club site.
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In today’s GEN club adventure, we will investigate air cleaning eco-services… 3
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…on our club site.
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What is in the Air Around Us? Gases: Nitrogen: 79% Oxygen: 21% Carbon dioxide: 0.03% Trace amounts of many other molecules
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What is in the Air Around Us? Particulates: Dust Salt spray Material from volcanoes Soot from forest fires
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Earth’s Early Atmosphere Volcanic activity produced a methane-rich atmosphere
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Earth’s Early Atmosphere Bacteria that used methane as a carbon source changed composition of air
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Earth’s Early Atmosphere Later, new species of bacteria developed which could use sunlight for energy. Photosynthesis Oxygen is made!
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How do plants change the composition of the air? Stomata – Special cells that allow gas to move in and out of the leaf. Gas exchange in leaves
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Gas Exchange in Leaves Once inside the leaf, gases undergo chemical reactions with the plant’s cells Guard cells
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Let’s take a moment and thank trees for the oxygen they give us. Everyone stand up and hold your arms out like the limbs of a tree. Close your eyes and imagine yourself as a tree. Take a deep breath in, then out. Take a moment to thank trees and other plants for their gifts to us.
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What other things are in the air? Sulfur dioxide Nitrogen oxides Carbon monoxide Ozone Man-made pollutants
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Effects of Air Pollution on Plants Damage to leaves Poor growth More sensitive to disease and pests Root ecosystem effects Gene Daniels, U.S. EPA
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Can some plants withstand air pollutions? Can some plants rid the air of pollutants? Spider plants Pothos Philodendron
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Let’s meet some of the other workers in the Air Cleaning Department Redbud White Oak Eastern Red Cedar Longleaf Pine
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What threatens Air Purification on Garden Earth? Deforestation
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What threatens Air Purification on Garden Earth? Deforestation Exhaust from cars
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What threatens Air Purification on Garden Earth? Deforestation Exhaust from cars Exhaust from power plants
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What threatens Air Purification on Garden Earth? Deforestation Exhaust from cars Exhaust from power plants Acid rain
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How does Air Pollution hurt organisms? Plants –Lichens –Mosses –Oaks –Firs Species Vulnerability
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How does Air Pollution hurt organisms? Animals –Invertebrates –Fish Species Vulnerability
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How does Air Pollution hurt organisms? Animals –Amphibians permeable skin is sensitive to chemicals Species Vulnerability
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What will we do? To learn about the Air Cleaning Department, we’ll… meet Old Man Spruce and his workers. extract pigments from leaves.
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What will we do? To learn about the Air Cleaning Department, we’ll… explore the trees around us and see how they clean the air. discover how trees are protected and cared for around the globe.
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How can we help Garden Earth maintain clean air? Plant trees Use cars wisely –Combine trips –Choose fuel efficient vehicles when replacing cars Conserve energy in your home and school
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