about
Aerosol particles - microscopic bits of dust, soot, and sea spray suspended in the air - are the most poorly understood component of Earth's atmosphere. Our atmosphere is made up primarily of gases. In addition to these gases, our atmosphere also contains very small liquid droplets and solid particles, known as particulate matter (PM).
These particles play an important role in human health and climate that we will explore with these activities.
hands-on science
Climate Science & Atmospheric Chemistry
Understanding the current science behind atmospheric chemistry, the impact of aerosols on climate and public health, and how scientists are working to better understand the issues that we face at the intersection of these topics.
Activity Type
Activity Time
Video
20 minutes
¡Tour Virtual de Laboratorio!
¡Eche un vistazo dentro de uno de los laboratorios CAICE y aprenda sobre los instrumentos científicos que los investigadores usan para aprender sobre aerosoles! Este recorrido es del laboratorio Grassian y está dirigido por la estudiante de doctorado Stephanie Mora Garcia.
Activity Type
Activity Time
Video
8 minutes
Aerosols, Clouds, and Climate!
Learn about both natural (ash, sea spray, dust) and human (pollution) sources of aerosols and why understanding aerosols is important to our climate and our health. See a cloud in a bottle demonstration, incomplete combustion demonstration, and make your own particle collector.
Activity Type
Activity Time
Video
43 minutes
art activities
Building a Cloud Mobile
Particle materials like dust, pollution, and water vapor are all known as aerosols, which are particles floating in the air. Water vapor condenses around these materials and helps to form clouds, which affect things like air quality, temperature, and weather patterns.
Activity Type
Activity Time
Video
5 minutes
storytelling
My Name is Aerosol
Aerosols are minute solid and liquid particles suspended in the atmosphere. Examples include desert dust, sea salt from ocean spray, volcanic ash, smoke from wildfires and emissions from the burning of coal and oil. These tiny particles affect weather and climate, cause hazy skies and can pose serious health hazards. Aerosols also can act as sites for chemical reactions, such as those that lead to the destruction of stratospheric ozone, i.e., the ozone hole.
Activity Type
Activity Time
Video
2 minutes
additional resources
Climate Science & Atmospheric Chemistry Traveling Trunk
While participating in the Climate Kids activities of art, science and storytelling, students will gain an understanding of the current science behind atmospheric chemistry, the impact of aerosols on climate and public health, and how scientists are working to better understand the issues that we face at the intersection of these topics.
Activity Type
Multimedia
Activity Time
Varies
Climate Science + Atmospheric Chemistry Traveling Trunk Training
Learn how to use the Climate Science + Atmospheric Chemistry Traveling Trunk with your student group.
While participating in the Climate Kids activities of art, science and storytelling, students will gain an understanding of the current science behind atmospheric chemistry, the impact of aerosols on climate and public health, and how scientists are working to better understand the issues that we face at the intersection of these topics.
Activity Type
Video
Activity Time
14 minutes
