Students from Lowrey Elementary have been studying the effects of increasing tropospheric ozone and carbon monoxide gases on our environment. Using Mesonet real-time weather data and taking ozone samples from both rural and urban areas, samples can be compared to determine the effect of the weather on harmful ozone pollutants.
Differing weather parameters are compared to determine which weather parameters contribute the most to produce ground-level ozone. Solar radiation levels, air temperatures, humidity, air pressure, wind speed and direction are compared to determine possible ozone level outcomes. By better understanding these phenomena meteorologists and scientists in the medical profession can better predict when unhealthful levels may occur.
Using automated weather data is very useful, because it is easier to read weather data and interpret data that have been observed continuously for a 24 hour period. Students are able to collect the data and compare to Ozone Alert Days. When a pattern is identified, they interpolate the data and predict upcoming Ozone Alert Days.
The project began in coordination with 5 other schools around the world, through the GLOBE Program. Schools in Sheridan,WY, Seattle,WA, Stockholm, Sweden, Seoul, Korea, and here at Tahlequah, OK. The project was called THE PENTA PROJECT. All data were collected and compared. The data showed the relationship between rural and urban areas as they react to weather conditions particular to that region. Lowrey has the benefit of continuing the research because of the Mesonet stations. We can collect data any day or at any time, which is a great benefit to keeping accurate records.
This poster will demonstrate how the data have been used and have helped our students to their student knowledge, awareness, and enthusiasm in Earth Science and our environment. This poster will display some of the results of the students and show how it may benefit society