Every breath we take: Exploring the chemistry of our air
How does atmospheric chemistry affect us? From Zurich’s air quality to ocean acidification, the atmosphere shapes our health, environment and climate. Dive into our live experiments to see this invisible science behind the air we breathe.
The air around us may be invisible, but it has a profound impact on our health, our environment and our climate. At our interactive booth, discover the hidden chemistry of the atmosphere through hands-on experiments and live demonstrations suitable for all age groups.
- Explore Zurich’s air in real time: Using live data from local sensors, see how the morning rush hour or the weekend traffic affects air quality across Zurich. Learn why these tiny particles penetrate deep into our lungs and impact our health.
- Measure air pollution yourself: Use a portable sensor observe how simple activities, such as lightning a match or blowing out a candle, can instantly change the air quality around us.
- Watch climate chemistry come to life: Add dry ice to red cabbage juice and watch the colour change as carbon dioxide (CO₂) alters the chemistry of the liquid. Learn how the same process is affecting oceans around the world.
- See acid rain in action: Pour the acidic solution you just created over carbonate rock and watch the acid attack and dissolve the stone, releasing visible gas bubbles.
Stop by, run your own experiments, and discover the invisible science that shapes the air we breathe every day!
