gifu-u.ac.jpChemical Education Journal (CEJ),
Vol. 10, No. 2 /Registration No. 10-11/Received November 21, 2007
URL = http://chem.sci.utsunomiya-u.ac.jp/cejrnlE.html
gifu-u.ac.jpWeb-based materials were prepared using airborne particle data for teaching materials to connect the world in vitro to natural phenomena and global environment. Airborne particles have been collected since 2000 in Gifu situated in the middle of the main Island of Japan. The particles were observed by a scanning electron microscope (SEM), analyzed by an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX), and classified into soil, pollen, sea-salt, soot and some cosmic dust. It is suggested that the annual movement of soil particles containing calcium is strongly related to Kosa (yellow sand) events occurred from sand storms at desert areas in China. The particles were collected 50 km distant from the sea. Sea salt crystals were observed still in this place, especially after typhoon passed through this area. SEM images and EDX spectra of these particles are presented on the website as well as the movements described above. These website materials aim to help teachers in primary and junior high schools to teach pupils and students about plants and pollination, solution and crystals, weather, the earth and living things, and the environment in science classes. The materials also aim to make pupils and students aware of the circulation of substances in the atmosphere.
Keywords: website materials, teaching materials, airborne
particles,environmental education, chemical education, science
education