Contextualization

The ozone layer is a fringe of ozone gas (O3) located in the stratosphere, a layer of the Earth's atmosphere that extends from 10 to 50 km in altitude. This element in the atmosphere plays a fundamental role in the subsistence of life on planet Earth. The ozone layer absorbs most of the ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation emitted by the sun, which is harmful to living beings.

Factors that contribute to the degradation of the ozone layer include emissions of CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons), halons, and other compounds containing chlorine and bromine. Today, some of the main sources of ozone destruction are refrigeration equipment, air conditioners, fire extinguishers, and aerosols.

The ozone layer theme is not only relevant to the Science discipline but also to Geography, making the interconnection between these two fields of knowledge, by allowing the analysis of the geographical and socio-environmental implications of the degradation of this protective layer of the planet. In addition, the discussion and understanding of this theme promotes the development of critical thinking in students and encourages the adoption of sustainable habits to contribute to the conservation of the environment.

By understanding what the ozone layer is, its composition, how it is formed, its importance, as well as the factors that contribute to its degradation and the actions that can be taken for its preservation, students will have the opportunity to develop a sense of responsibility and commitment to the planet.

Practical Activity

Activity Title: Action O3 - Protecting the Ozone Layer

Project Objective

The main objective of the "Action O3 - Protecting the Ozone Layer" project is to provide students with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the ozone layer and the impact of human actions on this important protective layer of the planet.

Students will be challenged to research, analyze, and create an awareness campaign about the importance of the ozone layer, the factors that contribute to its degradation, and the actions that can be taken for its preservation.

Detailed Project Description

Students, divided into groups of 3 to 5, will conduct in-depth research on the ozone layer. After completing the research, the groups will have to develop an awareness campaign on the subject. The campaign may include posters, brochures, PowerPoint presentations, videos, plays, or any other format the group chooses.

The awareness campaign, which is the final product of this work, should address the following topics:

1. What is the ozone layer: definition and formation.
2. Importance of the ozone layer for life on Earth.
3. Factors that contribute to the degradation of the ozone layer.
4. Actions that can be taken to preserve the ozone layer.

Required Materials

• Internet access for research.
• Materials for building the campaign (depending on the chosen format, paper, pens, computer, camera, among others may be required).

Detailed Step-by-Step for the Activity

1. Groups will be formed, and each will be given the task of researching the ozone layer and building the awareness campaign.
2. Students will conduct in-depth research on the ozone layer. They should explore the definition and formation of the ozone layer, its importance for life on Earth, the factors that contribute to its degradation, and the actions that can be taken for its preservation.
3. After completing the research, the groups will meet to discuss and synthesize the information gathered.
4. Students will then develop the awareness campaign. It can be done in various formats, depending on the choices and skills of the group.
5. The campaign will be presented to the entire class and can be used in the school to promote awareness of the importance of the ozone layer.

In addition to the campaign, each group will have to prepare a project report. This report should include the four main topics: Introduction, Development, Conclusions, and Bibliography used.

• Introduction: The group should contextualize the theme, its relevance, and application in the real world, as well as the objective of the campaign created.
• Development: The group should explain the theory about the ozone layer, explain the campaign creation process in detail, indicate the research methodology used, and present and discuss the results obtained.
• Conclusion: The group should conclude the work by summarizing its main points, explaining the lessons learned, and the conclusions drawn about the project.
• Bibliography: The group should indicate the sources on which they based the campaign, such as books, web pages, videos, etc.

It is estimated that each student will have to dedicate more than twelve hours to the project, including time for research, campaign preparation, and writing the report.