It's Our Air - 3-5 Research and Action
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:
Why is it important for our class and the community to know about air quality and air pollution?
How can my classmates and I make a positive difference in air quality? How can our class involve the school and/or community in a project about air quality?
TIME NEEDED: Varies, depending on project.
MATERIALS:
Varies, depending on project selected
TOPICS: air pollution education and outreach
TYPES: presentations, community project, stewardship
NC ESSENTIAL STANDARDS for Earth/Environmental Science:
EEn.2.8 Evaluate human behaviors in terms of how likely they are to ensure the ability to live sustainably on Earth. Other possible standards as well, depending on project.
RESEARCH AND ACTION ACTIVITY
Working collaboratively, students will synthesize their knowledge of air quality and apply it to a research, stewardship, or education project. Students’ interests and passions will guide the choice of projects, which can be carried out by the entire class or by small groups. This activity guide compiles resources and a brief description of each idea, but details will be left to the students so that they can design and take ownership of the project. Ideally, the class will have completed at least one other activity in the It’s Our Air! curriculum before starting the Community Air Quality Project.
RESEARCH AND ACTION - TEACHER TO TEACHER TIPS
The quick video below has tips for doing this activity from Mark Townley, an award-winning, North Carolina high school teacher. Mark helped develop It’s Our Air and has used each of these activities with his students.
OTHER MODULE 3 (AIR POLLUTION PROBLEMS & SOLUTIONS) ACTIVITIES AND VIDEOS
3-1 Scientific Literacy and Air Quality
3-2 Introduction to Solutions & Home Energy Choices
3-3 Driving Choices & Calculating Car Emissions
3-4 Regulations: Clean Air Act & NC Clean Smokestacks Act
3-5 Research and Action (this activity)