To The Teacher:

Use the information on this page to discuss types of pollution with students. Have them give additional examples of each type. Then give students a copy of "Pollution Solution" on the next page and crayons or markers. Instruct students to complete the activity. Check their answers together, having them explain the reasons for their choices.

Background Information:

The word pollution describes the harmful materials or activities, which contaminate or damage the natural environment and the health of living creatures. Pollution can be visible or invisible, such as garbage from dumps or noise from traffic.

Most of our pollution comes from products that many people need and want. For example, plastics provide use with safe and easy-to-use containers, but they can take years to biodegrade. Automobiles provide convenient transportation, but they create much of our air pollution. Pollution can be controlled by reducing, reusing, and recycling.

Types Of Pollution:

Air Pollution is the contamination of the air by substances such as fuel exhaust and smoke. It can harm the health of plants and animals and damage buildings. Air pollution occurs when substances affect the natural cleansing process of the air.

Water Pollution is the contamination of water by substances such as sewage, oils, and toxic chemicals. It affects water at and below the earth's surface. Water pollution occurs when so much waste is put into a water system that its natural cleansing process cannot work.

Soil Pollution is the destruction of the layer of soil where most of our food is grown. Overuse of pesticides and fertilizers harm the organisms, which help plants grow.

Solid Waste Pollution is garbage that is thrown into dumps and landfills. It includes papers, plastics, bottles, cans, food, and other scraps.

Noise Pollution does not affect the air, water, or land, but it causes discomfort and possible hearing loss in humans and animals. It comes from things such as machinery, vehicles, and airplanes.