Educator Guide: Wildfires May Boost Urban Ozone Levels

image of wildfire haze over the Golden Gate bridge and the San Francisco skyline

Smoke from wildfires blazing in California blankets the San Francisco skyline in an auburn haze. The mix of wildfire smoke and urban air pollution could increase ozone levels in the western United States, according to new research.

Michael Short/Bloomberg Creative/Getty Images Plus

About this guide

In this guide, students will explore chemical interactions within wildfire smoke and how urban air pollution can influence the reactions.

Teachers enrolled in the Science News Learning Program can read this lesson plan for free

Is your school enrolled? Log in with your school email address.

Not enrolled or not sure? Sign up for the sponsored program to gain access here.

By continuing, you acknowledge that you are at least 13 years of age and agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.  Under 13?  Check out Science News Explores.

This Guide Includes:

Chemistry of wildfire smoke

Students will answer questions about the online Science News article “Wildfire smoke may ramp up toxic ozone production in cities,” which explores new research into the interactions between wildfire smoke and air pollution in cities. A version of the article, “Wildfires may boost urban ozone levels,” appears in the January 15, 2022 issue of Science News.
Use the Shift key with the Tab key to tab back to the search input.Use the Shift key with the Tab key to tab back to the search input.