Ideas for Discussion

The following questions for discussion are designed for different age ranges.

K-6 Discussion Questions

Before watching the program:

• What kinds of things that you use might pollute the air?
• What could you use instead of those things?

After watching the program:

• What are the specific types of air pollutants in your area?
• Why do you think it's important to protect the air?
• A "pollutant" is something that is somewhere it shouldn't. What other kinds of things might be pollutants?
• Imagine that you were running for governor. What would you tell people they needed to do to cut down on pollution?

High School Discussion Questions

Before watching the program:

• Take a poll on how many students have recently begun to drive. What kind of car do you drive?
• When you plan to buy your own car, what kinds of things will you think about when you make that decision?
• Think about the kinds of spray cans you might use. What kinds of things could you use instead of spray materials?

After watching the program:

• Industries and small farmers express concern about environmental regulations because the equipment is so expensive? How do you feel? Is there a compromise?
• North Carolina has some of the strictest environmental controls in the country. Do you feel they are too strict or that they should be stricter? Why?
• What kinds of things can you do to minimize the number of "code red " ozone days (when the pollution is very bad)?
• What kinds of decisions can you make over what you buy to contribute to protecting the air quality?

Topic for an organized debate:

• After researching the issue of air pollution in your area, divide your class into two sides: one representing a textile company that will go bankrupt if it has to follow air quality regulations and the other representing an environmental group. Discuss issues from both sides and try to come to a resolution that will satisfy both parties.