The Microphysics of Clouds

	PROJECT DESCRIPTION Sixth formers use their lunch hours to explore the effects of pollutants on snow and ice crystal structure and growth, using crystals formed in clouds simulated in a chest freezer.	AREAS OF SCIENCE Astronomy Chemistry Computing Engineering / Technology Environment Interdisciplinary Life Science / Medicine Physics	WHERE School Other institution Field / Expedition WHEN In curriculum Extra curricular Work experience	SCHOOL TYPE Primary Secondary to 16 Post 16 Independent Maintained Sixth Form College Further Education
	PROJECT ORGANISERS Dr Francisca Wheeler, Withington Girls School, Manchester. Dr C P R Saunders, Department of Pure and Applied Physics, UMIST, advises.

Project Participants

The project is a continuing one. A robust and permanent set up allows the girls to make a wide study of the growth of crystals in a water mist produced by a nebuliser in a dedicated chest freezer environment. The project involves about 10 sixth form girls working on specific projects each year. Work is carried out in a dedicated environment and accessed regularly during the lunch hour.

Science Programme

Ice crystals under a microscope

The objective of this project is primarily to give the girls the chance of finding out what scientific research really involves. The area under investigation concerns the effect of different pollutants on the components of clouds. This area of work is of particular interest because it concerns everyone, being relevant and important environmental research. With increasing concern about the pollution of the atmosphere and environment, the girls have been able to identify topical problems and translate them into problems which they can research.

A cloud is simulated in a large chest freezer by rapidly freezing a water mist produced by an ultrasonic nebuliser. Different types of chemical pollutants are introduced during crystal formation and the resulting crystal specimens are observed under a microscope. Relationships may thus be deduced between the type of pollutant and the subsequent crystal growth. Every year, the research team identifies a particular problem of interest and then performs the necessary research with the equipment available.

Personal Development

The project has been running for 10 years and in this period of time, many young people have shown much interest. They have developed great insight into the important problems of atmospheric physics, particularly with reference to the electrification involved in thunderstorms. The fascination as to why thunder clouds should possess such massive charge densities has often inspired and absorbed the girls involved.

Many debates have taken place concerning the different mechanisms involved in the cloud formations and the effect of the pollutants. The girls have attended scientific meetings both in Britain and abroad. They have also had the opportunity to talk to experts in the relevant fields and gain further experience into the aspects of their work, as well as become involved in the process of publishing results (Wheeler et al, 1991).

The research has highlighted the ability of young people to carry out accurate and reliable work in a very important field of original and relevant environmental science.

Outcomes

Pupils collecting newly-formed ice crystals

Head in a cloud - collecting newly-formed ice crystals

The findings have been many. Presentations have been made at home and abroad on the various aspects of the work. The project was exhibited at the Royal Society summer soirée in 1990. A presentation on the 'Microphysics of Polluted Clouds' was made by the girls to the 2nd and 3rd International Conference on School and Popular Meteorological and Oceanographic Education in Ontario, Canada and in the USA (Wheeler et al, 1993).

Further information on publications and articles can be obtained from the address below.

Project Origin

The project is a continuing one having started 10 years ago on an initiative by Dr Wheeler. With the equipment remaining in situ throughout the year, new girls entering the sixth form can enter immediately into original scientific research.

Resources

The group have access to a permanently located chest freezer, ultrasonic nebuliser, microscope and video camera viewing facility. The normal facilities of a physics laboratory are also required. Photography requires the use of a dark room.
Dr C P R Saunders advises through the Scientific Research in Schools Scheme. He is based locally in the Department of Pure and Applied Physics, UMIST.
Funding is obtained through the Scientific Research in Schools Scheme, the Institute of Physics Small Grants Scheme and ICI.

Contact

Dr Francisca Wheeler, Withington Girls School, Wellington Road, Manchester M14 6BL
Tel: +44 (0) 161 2241077.