Particulate Matter Pre-lab Quiz

What is the purpose of applying petroleum jelly to the petri dishes in the Airborne Particulate Lab?

• To make the dishes easier to handle

• To capture particulate matter on the dish surface

• To prevent the dishes from cracking

• To enhance the growth of bioaerosols

Where should the particulate collectors be placed to measure indoor and outdoor particulate concentration according to the lab procedure?

• Indoors on the floor and outdoors underground

• Indoors and outdoors, both placed at ground level

• Indoors and outdoors, approximately 5 feet above the ground or floor

• On the roof of the building for both samples

What is the minimum time period for which the particulate collectors must be exposed in their environment, as prescribed in class?

• At least 12 hours

• At least 24 hours

• At least 48 hours

• At least 72 hours

What should students do with the particulate collector when they bring it to school the following class?

• Discard the collector in a biohazard bin

• Clean the collector for another use

• Sketch and identify the particulates under a microscope

• Seal the collector in a plastic bag

According to the lab procedure, what must students do with the particulate pollutants they observe on their petri dishes?

• Photograph each particle under the microscope

• Sketch at least two types of particulate pollutants from each plate

• Dispose of all particles in a chemical waste container

• Measure the diameter of each particle

How are students instructed to use the results from their particulate measurements?

• Write a personal reflection on the air quality in their home

• Contribute their data to a class spreadsheet to analyze community trends

• Keep the data for their personal records only

• Publish their findings in the school newspaper