The Air Quality Index and Particle Pollution (Air Quality #3)

In this lesson, students learn about particle pollution, motivated by an example in Los Angeles. 

Step 1 - Inquire: Students review key concepts from Why Is Coco Orange? and watch a video on air pollution in Los Angeles.

Step 2 - Investigate: Teacher plays The Cilia Game with students.

Step 3 - Inspire: Students explore an interactive map of air quality and complete a journaling entry.

Positives

• This lesson dives deeper into the concept of air pollution and how to monitor air quality.
• This lesson involves movement and allows kids to have fun while learning about something serious.

Additional Prerequisites

• You will need to prepare the appropriate materials for The Cilia Game before class begins.
• The Cilia Game is quite silly. Be prepared for some laughs as the "cilia" try to defend the "lungs"!
• Cilia are tiny hair-like structures in our respiratory system that protect our lungs from foreign matter like particle pollution.
• In this lesson we use the term "particle pollution." This is usually referred to as "particulate pollution" or "particulate matter." For the purposes of this lesson, we have decided to use the simpler "particle pollution."
• "Air pollution" is kind of a catchall term, referring to things like ozone, particulate matter, and even greenhouse gases. This can be tricky for elementary students to sort out. The purpose of this lesson is for students to better understand particulate matter.

Differentiation

• Curious students may want more time to explore the interactive map of air quality.
• Students who complete their journal entry early can make their own air quality monitor.
• Be sensitive to your students' health situation. Some students with asthma or who know someone with asthma may find it difficult to learn more about this topic. 

This lesson introduces students to gain elementary knowledge about air pollution, its sources, and implications on air quality. It provides critical insights on the impacts it has on low-income communities of Los Angeles. The lesson materials are well-written and cited. Thus, this lesson has passed our science review.

Primary Standards

• College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Standards
  • Dimension 2: Geography
    • D2.Geo.2.3-5 Use maps, satellite images, photographs, and other representations to explain relationships between the locations of places and regions and their environmental characteristics.
• Common Core English Language Arts Standards (CCSS.ELA)
  • Writing (K-12)
    • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.10 Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.

Supporting Standard

• National Health Education Standards
  • Standard 1: Students will comprehend concepts related to health promotion and disease prevention to enhance health.
    • 1.5.3 Describe ways in which safe and healthy school and community environments can promote personal health.