what not to burn for healthier air

Last updated: July 1, 2020

Math Skill: Identifying three-dimensional objects

Grade level: 3rd / 4th grades

Science Area: Pollution

Environmental Area: Air

Purpose: Understand things that we are prohibited from burning outside to protect our air quality in the City of Evansville and develop awareness of air quality

People in the city of Evansville need to call 435-7885 to let the Evansville EPA know before they burn materials outside.

BACKGROUND FOR THE TEACHER

During the early 1900s, our air in Evansville was heavily polluted mainly due to the combustion of coal for energy generation, industrial production, and manufacturing. To improve our air quality in Vanderburgh County, the Evansville Environmental Protection (EPA) was established in 1970.

The Evansville EPA makes sure no one sends dirty things into our air. Inspectors from the Evansville EPA visit public and private places to make sure our air is kept clean. The Evansville EPA also sends warnings to people in the community on days when there is a chance that our air may affect our health. People in the City of Evansville need to call 435-7885　to let the Evansville EPA know before they burn materials outside because burning materials outside will pollute the air.

It is against the law to burn household trash, paper or plastics, leaves, grasses, wood that is painted, stained or glued, building materials, root balls or tree stumps.

Sources of air pollution and 6 common air pollutants

TEACHER GUIDE

The purpose of this activity is to 1) identify three-dimensional objects and 2) learn things that cannot be burned outside in Evansville to protect our air quality.

Pictures of some objects represent things that are prohibited from being burned in the City of Evansville. Through identifying the shapes of those items, students will enhance skills in three-dimensional objects.

Three types of worksheets are provided to match students’ levels of understanding.

PROBLEM & Answer key

Math Skill: Identifying three-dimensional objects

level: easy

Students are asked to identify the shapes of the items by looking at the pictures of the items. Shapes include rectangular prism, sphere, cylinder, and cone.