Pollution and Waste

Gr 2-4–Double-page spreads explain what kinds of pollution are impacting the earth: air pollution, acid rain, noise pollution, farming, water pollution, waste, and global warming. “Eye-Spy” boxes ask readers to look for pollution. “Discover It Yourself” activities are included. Some activities are simple and can be done alone, such as putting Vaseline in three lids and placing them in three different locations to examine air pollution. Others that require adult supervision are marked with an exclamation point, such as heating a glass plate over a candle to see the carbon left behind. The text describes the state of the ozone hole: “But the ozone is being destroyed by chemicals called CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) that have escaped into the atmosphere. The damage is worst over Antarctica, where the CFCs are eating a hole in the ozone layer.” Recently, scientists reported that the Arctic ozone hole closed. Throughout the text, readers are encouraged to look for pollution around them and choose a better way to promote environmentally clean life choices. Illustrations rendered in soft tones depict futuristic cars with large plate glass windows, crowded cities with tall buildings, and cartoon-style characters.