In this experiment, your students will be able to visually see the air pollution that they breathe in on a daily basis. Prior to this lab your students should have an understanding of how to use microscopes, as they will use them to observe and collect data.

Materials Needed: Compound microscopes, slides (gridded or plain), cover slips, cotton swabs, petroleum jelly, and petri dishes.

Included are 2 versions of this lab:

1. In version 1, students use gridded microscope slides (see picture in preview) to collect quantitative data and calculate the air pollution deposition rate.

2. In version 2, students use plain glass microscope slides and can collect qualitative data.

Both versions are editable.