THE AEROSOLS AND POLLUTION PBL ACTIVITY (Grades 5-12) is part of the CALIPSO (Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations) educational outreach efforts. CALIPSO will fly in formation with AQUA, CLOUDSAT, PARASOL, AURA, and OCO to provide a unique three-year coincident global set of data on aerosol and cloud properties, radiative fluxes, and atmospheric state. This provides observationally based assessments of the radiative effects of aerosol and clouds that greatly improves our ability to predict future climate change. This mission will actively measure aerosols and clouds 24 hours per day. CALIPSO will fly in formation with AQUA and CloudSat composing a train of satellites. CALIPSO will carry its own light source as part of an instrument called LIDAR. Data from the mission will help discover more about climate change and our environment.

This module will serve as an excellent introduction to aerosols, clouds, and pollution. This is a student-centered module and is meant to provide students ownership in the learning process gained through defining their own learning needs. The module objectives listed may be modified to meet your curriculum. Depending on your needs, you may extend the module to more complex areas such as the role of aerosols in the Earth’s energy budget and the connection of aerosols to global climate change. The Web sites and information provided in this module are not meant to be all-inclusive. You can encourage students to locate other sources of information, e.g., from experts, books, the Web, or magazines.

I. CALIPSO Mission Objectives

II. Key Questions for Students

III. Problem-Solving Model

IV. Materials and Procedures

V. Resources

Appendix A: Sample Student Activity Sheet

Appendix B: Assessment Rubric

Appendix C: National Science Education Standards

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