An educational pilot project on the bio-monitoring of air quality was carried out in the Umbria Region of Central Italy. It involved about 1000 students (ages 4 to 16) from 42 schools of 16 municipalities in active bio-monitoring of tropospheric ozone with bio-indicator sensitive tobacco seedlings. Some 6500 raw biological readings were used and these were reinforced by data captured with two photometric analysers. Under guidance from teachers, the students had several opportunities to practise basic and applied study techniques; and they were introduced to the scientific method in a simple and absorbing manner. Though primarily an educational exercise, the survey had a research element and the picture of air pollution that emerged has increased the knowledge of the air quality situation in the region. Biological monitoring of air quality is a powerful tool to active participation of citizens in the assessment of the state of the environment.
A case-study of environmental education: biomonitoring of ozone with young students
LORENZINI, GIACOMO;NALI, CRISTINA
2004-01-01
Abstract
An educational pilot project on the bio-monitoring of air quality was carried out in the Umbria Region of Central Italy. It involved about 1000 students (ages 4 to 16) from 42 schools of 16 municipalities in active bio-monitoring of tropospheric ozone with bio-indicator sensitive tobacco seedlings. Some 6500 raw biological readings were used and these were reinforced by data captured with two photometric analysers. Under guidance from teachers, the students had several opportunities to practise basic and applied study techniques; and they were introduced to the scientific method in a simple and absorbing manner. Though primarily an educational exercise, the survey had a research element and the picture of air pollution that emerged has increased the knowledge of the air quality situation in the region. Biological monitoring of air quality is a powerful tool to active participation of citizens in the assessment of the state of the environment.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
