Online Air Quality Class: Grades 6-12

Welcome to the Maricopa County Air Quality Department’s Online Air Quality Class designed for independent home learning. Take a deep breath in and feel your lungs expand with air. On average, we breathe in eight to ten liters of air every minute! Clean air is as necessary for life as clean water, but we typically don’t think about the invisible ocean of air that surrounds us. Neither do we think about harmful substances that are added to our air every day.

In this class, you will explore the air that you breathe. You will learn how air pollution is defined and measured from air quality experts, create a simple particle pollution collector, and investigate air pollution sources in your local community. At the end of the course, you will use everything you’ve learned to solve an air pollution mystery. Scroll down the page and click on Module One. Let’s get started!

Information for Educators

This course was designed with the 5E model in mind and is organized into five modules that students can access online at CleanAirMakeMore.com. This course is completely student directed and has been designed for students to complete at home. All documents included in this course are fillable PDF forms that can be downloaded and saved electronically, or printed and physically completed.

View the Educator Guide to see a sample schedule, the standards, and learning goal of this class. Email Jenny.Frank@maricopa.gov to request the full Educator Guide with an answer key.

 

Modules

Module 1: Take a Virtual Field Trip

Module Introduction

What’s in the air you breathe into your lungs every minute of every day? In this module you will go behind the scenes at the Maricopa County Air Quality Department’s Air Monitoring Division and learn about air quality from the experts. To find out how we define and measure air pollution, click on the video link. (Start the video at the two-minute mark to skip the introduction.) When you have finished, answer the questions on the Activity Guide.

Step 1: Complete the Pre-Test

Before you begin the Online Air Quality Class, complete this form.

Step 2: Download the Activity Guide

Take a Virtual Field Trip Activity Guide

Step 3: Watch Video and Complete the Activity Guide

 

Module 2: Create a Pollution Collector

Module Introduction

In Module 1, you learned how the Maricopa County Air Quality Department uses technology to monitor for and measure particle pollution in the air. Did you know you can collect particle pollution data using a low cost, low-tech collector that you can make at home? In Module 2 you will investigate particulates around your home using a homemade particle pollution collector. Let’s explore!

Step 1: Download and Complete Day 1 Activity Guide

Create a Pollution Collector Activity Guide-Day 1

Step 2: Download and Complete Day 2 Activity Guide

 Create a Pollution Collector Activity Guide-Day 2

 

Module 3: Read an Article

Module Introduction

You can survive only two to three minutes without air, yet most of us never think about what’s in the air we breathe. Read the article below to learn more about the invisible ocean of air that surrounds you and sustains life on Earth. Summarize what you have learned using the graphic organizer, then complete the crossword puzzle.

Step 1: Download and Read the Article

The Air You Breathe Article

Step 2: Download and Take Notes Using the Graphic Organizer

Graphic Organizer

Step 3: Download and Complete the Crossword Puzzle

Crossword Puzzle

 

Module 4: Research Local Pollution

Module Introduction

Have you thought about the air quality in your local community? What have you noticed? Are there air pollution sources near your school or neighborhood? In this module you will identify and explore local air pollution sources that could be impacting the air in your community.

Step 1: Download and Complete the Activity Guide

Research Local Pollution Activity Guide

Step 2: Download and Complete the Extension Activity

Extension Activity

 

Module 5: Apply Your Knowledge

Module Introduction:

Residents are complaining about air pollution in their neighborhood and they need your help! Use what you have learned during this course to investigate the air pollution source. Can you solve the mystery and stop the air pollution?

Step 1: Download and Complete the Activity Guide

Apply Your Knowledge Activity Guide

Step 2: Complete the Post-Test

After completing the Online Air Quality Class, complete this form.