This video from Grist explains how less-expensive portable air sensors can improve air quality data collection at the neighborhood or street level.
Students will learn how citizen scientists in Seattle, Washington check out portable air sensors from their local library to monitor the air quality in their neighborhoods and use the data to make decisions that will help the community.
The video offers a balanced view of portable air sensors, which are cheaper but not quite as accurate as the stationary air quality monitors.
The video gives an interesting description of how stationary and portable monitors work.
Students will see how young people can help their communities by collecting air quality data.
Prerequisites
Students will need to be familiar with terms such as air pollution and small particle count.
The video mentions that portable air sensors are not as accurate as the traditional monitors, but it does not provide specific information on the difference in accuracy.
Differentiation & Implementation
If a monitor is available to borrow, science classes or environmental clubs can collect air quality data from different parts of the school campus and then present their findings to the administration. The EPA website provides information on air sensor loan programs in the United States.
Engineering and design classes can compare and contrast the two air sensor designs and try to determine why the traditional model is more accurate.
Science classes can integrate this video into lessons about diffusion, matter, atoms, or gravity.
The video explains how air quality can change from block to block, but it does not discuss solutions to air quality problems. Students could use this resource to learn how strategic tree planting can improve air quality.
Other resources on this topic include the World Air Quality Index Project's real-time air quality index map and this guide on air quality and health from the EPA.
Scientist Notes
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Related Teaching Resources
All resources can be used for your educational purposes with proper attribution to the content provider.
