Grade 4 Science And Technology Environment β Air Pollution Notes
Science & Technology β Environment
Subtopic: Air Pollution (for age 9, Kenya)
What is air pollution? π€
Air pollution is when the air has bad things like smoke, dust or gases that make it dirty. Dirty air can make people and animals sick. We cannot see all of it, but we can feel or smell some.
Where does it come from? (Causes) πππ₯
- Cars and buses that use petrol or diesel (lots of smoke on busy roads like in Nairobi).
- Burning garbage or dry leaves in the compound.
- Cooking with charcoal, wood or kerosene indoors (jiko smoke).
- Factories and power stations that send smoke into the air.
- Dust from unpaved roads, building sites or fields.
How does it affect us? (Effects) π·πΏ
- People can cough, get sore eyes, or have trouble breathing. Children and the elderly are most at risk.
- Asthma attacks can start or get worse.
- Plants can get hurt and crops may not grow well.
- Animals and birds breathe the same dirty air and can get sick.
- Some pollution can mix with rain and hurt rivers and soil.
What can we do? (Prevention) π³πΆββοΈ
Small actions help. Try these at home, school and in the community:
- Plant trees and shrubs around the home and school β trees clean the air. π³
- Use clean cooking methods: improve jiko, cook outside, or use cleaner fuel if possible.
- Do not burn rubbish or dry leaves β compost or take trash to the collection point.
- Walk, cycle, or use shared transport to reduce the number of cars on the road. π²
- Keep the compound wet when sweeping dusty areas to stop dust from flying. (Ask an adult.)
- Tell adults to check cars so they do not emit too much smoke.
Tips for children (easy things you can do) β
- Plant a tree at school with your friends.
- Tell grown-ups not to burn rubbish at home.
- Wear a mask or cloth over your nose if the air is very dusty.
- Close windows when smoke from outside enters the house.
- Make a poster about clean air and put it in class. π¨
A small observation activity (with an adult) π
- Choose a day and time to look outside for 10 minutes.
- Write down if you see smoke, dust, or many cars on the road.
- Check if people cough or cover their noses nearby.
- Talk in class about what you saw and how to make the air cleaner.