Investigating Air Pollutants:in Mount Rainier National Park

This comprehensive digital resource guides students through real-world investigation of air pollutants at Mount Rainier National Park. Perfect for middle and high school classrooms, it includes charts, data analysis, interactive worksheets, and compelling visuals. Encourage inquiry-based learning as students identify and analyze environmental issues using actual data and scientific methods. Ideal for both science curriculum and environmental education!

Towering glaciers, alpine meadows, ancient forests, and breathtaking views make Mount Rainier National Park one of America's most iconic protected landscapes. Yet even this seemingly pristine environment is affected by air pollution transported from surrounding cities, industries, and agricultural areas. In this engaging environmental science investigation, students step into the role of scientists tasked with uncovering which pollutants are impacting the park's ecosystems. Using real-world environmental issues as the foundation for the activity, students learn how air pollution can affect visibility, water quality, vegetation, wildlife, glaciers, and human health.

This hands-on mystery activity combines station rotations, data analysis, and scientific reasoning to create an authentic learning experience. Students begin by exploring seven major air pollutants and their environmental impacts through reading stations.

Here is a list of air pollutants they will learn about:

• Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)

• Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂)

• Ground-Level Ozone (O₃)

• Particulate Matter (PM)

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

• Ammonia (NH₃)

• Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)

As they visit each station, they build a clue chart that serves as a reference guide for their investigation. Once the stations are complete, students receive evidence packets containing maps, graphs, tables, and ecological data collected from Mount Rainier National Park.

Working collaboratively, students analyze the scientific evidence, identify environmental patterns, and compare their findings to the clues gathered during the station rotation in order to identify the air pollutant that is impacting Mount Rainier National Park. Students must think critically, eliminate unlikely suspects, and use evidence to support their conclusions. The activity culminates in a final writing task in which students defend their identification of the pollutant responsible for the observed environmental changes.

Designed for middle school and high school science classrooms, this activity supports environmental science, ecology, Earth science, and AP Environmental Science concepts while strengthening data interpretation, critical thinking, collaboration, and scientific argumentation skills. With minimal teacher preparation and highly engaging real-world content, this investigation transforms students from passive learners into environmental detectives.

While all data and charts are based on Mount Rainier National Park, they may or may not reflect true, actual data. They give an overall 'picture' into what is happening.

This product includes:

1. Teacher Directions-including prep directions

2. List of Materials Needed  

3. Teacher Procedure

4. Student Packet-Short reading, data table, analysis questions

5. Optional extension report (differentiation)

6. Student Packet Answers

7. Teacher Tips

8. Evidences Organized

9. 7 Station Sheets

10. 12 Evidences (charts, graphs, maps, diagrams, etc.)

To do this activity, students will need:

• Pencil

• Copy of “Investigating Air Pollution in Mount Rainier National Park” packet for each student

• Copies of station sheets

• Copies of evidences for each group

• Paper clips (one for each group)

• Optional: manila envelopes/folders-one for each group

Do you want to teach about the National Parks every week? Check out this National Park-of-the-Week Slides activity to engage students in the parks each week!

Check out my other National Parks resources!

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