difficult decisions
real world questions about the applications and implications of chemistry

Begin by viewing the video " Assault on the Ozone Layer" in class video notes here

Next, read the articles handed out in class and the web sites attached to the lecture notes on Ozone depletion. This may be done as homework, depending on class schedules. There is extensive information on this issue on the web, the articles handed out in class are only meant as an introduction to the topic. Links to more in-depth information.

Third, study the Ozone hole animation using the NIH image activity, "Where did the Ozone Go?" how has the ozone layer over Antarctica changed since 1979? measure the average density and size of the ozone hole for the eleven year period 1979-1990. Include this information in your paper in a graph form ( two graphs, one of ozone mean density the other of area of the hole) If you do not have access to the NIH image files you can do this activity with graph paper and images found here.

Finally, answer the questions below in paragraph form. Start with a coherent introduction that includes a thesis statement and finish with a conclusion. The paper will be approximately 10 -15 paragraphs in length. Use the guiding questions included in the lecture notes for more ideas on this dilemma. The paper is due ***. It should be typed, size 12 font, double spaced. All sources should be properly cited in a bibliography.

What is the Ozone layer?

Why is it important to us?

How was it created?

Why are scientists concerned about it?

How is it studied?

What chemicals are responsible for destroying it?

Could other factors be involved in its destruction?

What can be done to protect the Ozone layer?

Should all countries have the same regulations? why or why not?

Is there an Arctic ozone hole?

How has the ozone layer over North America changed?

What can you do to make a difference?

Links to use for this exercise

http://www.classzone.com/books/earth_science/terc/content/investigations/es1708/es1708page01.cfm - this tutorial will allow you to visualize and graph online with shockwave

http://www.ccpo.odu.edu/SEES/ozone/oz_class.htm - an electonic textbook with all the information.

http://www.epa.gov/sunwise/ - a site for kids about why the ozone layer is important

http://www.antarctica.ac.uk/met/jds/ozone/ - gives a summary of the current situation

http://www.theozonehole.com/aboutus.htm - good overall site with plenty of information

http://toms.gsfc.nasa.gov/ - Toms satelitte images

http://focus.aps.org/story/v8/st8 - cosmic rays burn the ozone layer

http://www.ogp.noaa.gov/library/rtnf92.htm - reports to the nation on our changing planet

http://www.epa.gov/ozone/ - the epa ozone depletion site

http://www.atm.ch.cam.ac.uk/tour/index.html - the ozone hole tour

http://www.exploratorium.edu/learning_studio/ozone/graphing.html - graphing the ozone

Bibliography format help sheet

taking notes help sheet

Difficult Decisions series introduction