Making Models to Demonstrate Electrostatic Precipitators

Part of the "Air Pollution Detecting Gardens" Collection

Back to Collection

Goal

Students will use models to learn and demonstrate electrostatic precipitators.

Estimated Time

45 Minutes

Setting Required

Inside or Outside

Standards

  • S3L2. Students will recognize the effects of pollution and humans on the environment.

Materials

  • Balloons (1 per small group)
  • Dried oregano (small scoop per small group)

Procedures

  1. Assist students in blowing up balloons and then demonstrate how to rub it against their hair to generate static electricity.
  2. Then, instruct students to hold the balloon over dried oregano (representing particle pollutants).
  3. Review the Pollution Solutions site with students to discuss how electrostatic precipitators work in factories and to explore other pollution solutions.