Context

The ozone layer is a protective layer of ozone (O3) located in the stratosphere, approximately 20 to 30 km above the Earth's surface. Interestingly, it is not so much known for its presence, but rather for its absence, more specifically, for the 'hole' in the ozone layer that forms regularly over Antarctica. But what is this layer and why is it so important?

Ozone is a gas present in small quantities in Earth's atmosphere. It is composed of three oxygen atoms and is formed when sunlight hits oxygen molecules (O2), splitting them into individual atoms that then combine with other oxygen molecules to form ozone. This ozone layer plays a crucial role in protecting life on Earth by absorbing most of the harmful solar radiation before it can reach the surface.

The importance of the ozone layer cannot be underestimated. It plays a crucial role in protecting terrestrial life against harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Excessive exposure to UV radiation can cause a range of health problems in humans, including sunburn, skin cancer, cataracts, suppression of the immune system, and DNA damage. Furthermore, it can have detrimental effects on the environment, affecting marine life, particularly plankton, which is at the base of the marine food chain, and plants, which are the backbone of terrestrial ecosystems.

Unfortunately, human activity has had a substantial impact on the ozone layer. In recent years, the use of certain types of chemicals, particularly chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), has contributed to the depletion of the ozone layer. This has led to the formation of a 'hole' in the ozone layer above Antarctica, an area where the ozone concentration is significantly lower than in other parts of the world.

The loss of the ozone layer has profound implications. Fortunately, international efforts to protect the ozone layer have been effective in reducing the use of CFCs and other ozone-depleting chemicals. This project aims to deepen your understanding of the ozone layer, the reasons for its depletion, and the solutions for its protection.

To further elaborate on your understanding of this layer and the challenges it faces, you can use the following resources:

• What is the ozone layer - Toda Matéria
• The ozone layer and the hole threatening it - Educa Mais Brasil
• Climate change: Montreal Protocol, which saved the ozone layer, turns 30 - UN Brazil
• The Ozone Layer - Brasil Escola

Practical Activity

Activity Title: Life Without the Ozone Layer

Project Objective

The objective of this project is to understand the importance of the ozone layer for living beings and the environment, as well as the consequences of its deterioration.

Project Description

Students will create a short narrative documentary (5 to 10 minutes) illustrating what would happen to life on Earth if the ozone layer were completely destroyed. Additionally, the film should address the human actions that are destroying the ozone layer and the measures that can be taken to help preserve it.

Required Materials

Groups will need the following materials and resources for the completion of this project:

• Research-related materials, such as books, videos, reliable websites, etc.
• Video creation tools, such as a cell phone camera, computer, and video editing software.
• Internet access for research and video publication (can be on YouTube, Vimeo, etc., as per school and guardians' permission).

Project Steps

1. Research: Start by researching together about the composition and function of the ozone layer, and what would happen without it. Also, research the human actions that are harming the ozone layer and possible solutions to this problem.
2. Script: Create a script for the documentary. The script should be clear, engaging, and informative.
3. Recording: With the script in hand, start recording the documentary. Be creative with the scenes, use illustrations, animations, stock images, and interviews if possible.
4. Editing: After recording, begin editing the video. Add music, sound effects, subtitles, and anything else you find relevant to make the video engaging and informative.
5. Review: Before finalizing the video, review it, ensuring all information is correct and the video is clear and cohesive.
6. Presentation: Once satisfied with the result, publish the video (with school and guardians' permission) and share the link with the class and the teacher. Prepare for a class discussion about the video!

Project Submission

The final project consists of a video documentary and a written report, both of which must be submitted to the teacher by the deadline.

1. Documentary: A link to the published video must be shared with the class and the teacher.

2. Written Report: Should be prepared respecting the following topics:

   Introduction: A brief contextualization about the ozone layer, its importance, the reasons for its degradation, and the purpose of the project.

   Development: Detailed explanation of how the project was carried out: the research, script development, documentary recording, and video editing. Additionally, it is necessary to detail the information acquired through research and how it influenced the creation of the documentary.

   Conclusions: Discuss the results obtained, the learnings achieved through the project, the difficulties encountered and how they were overcome, and any other relevant conclusion on the topic.

   Bibliography: List all research sources used in the project, whether books, websites, videos, etc.