1970s history
What major environmental law was signed in 1970?
The Clean Air Act
Name one harmfu air pollutant
Sulfur Dioxide, Nitrogen Dioxide
What do plants need to make energy?
Sunlight, water, clean air
What was tested in the experiment?
The effects of air pollution on plants
In which decade did environmental awareness greatly increase?
Which president signed the Clean Air Act?
Richard Nixon
What can pollution block from reaching leaves?
Sunlight
What color were the healthier leaves in the experiment?
GREEN
Which plants grew the most?
The control plant
What does EPA stand for?
Environmental Protection Agency
What government agency was created in 1970 to protect the environment?
US Environmental Protection Agency
Pollution damages what part of the plant?
The leaves + cells
What happened to polluted leaves?
Became duller and damaged
Which plants grew the least?
The heavy pollution one
Plants can act as indicators of what?
Pollution / environmental health
Why did people protest pollution in 1970s?
Wanted cleaner air and a healthy environment
What important process is reduced by pollution?
Photosynthesis
Why is photosynthesis important?
It helps plants make food / energy
What happened as pollution increased?
Plant growth decreased
Can cleaner air help plants recover?
YES!
What caused much of the air pollution in the 1970s?
Factories, cars, power plants etc
How can pollution affect ecosystems?
It can harm plants and reduce oxygen production!
What can slower plant growth lead to?
Damage to ecosystems and crops
How does our experiment stimulate pollution?
Spraying dust and charcoal particles onto the leaves
Why are plants important for humans?
They produce oxygen and support ecosystems