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6-12 Online Class
Online Air Quality Class: Grades 6-12
Welcome to the Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) 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. 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 AQDEducationOutreach@maricopa.gov to request the full Educator Guide with answer key.
- Module 1: Take a Virtual Field Trip
- Module 2: Create a Pollution Collector
- Module 3: Read an Article
- Module 4: Research Local Pollution
- Module 5: Apply Your Knowledge
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 MCAQD 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 and start the video at the two-minute mark to skip the introduction. When you have finished, answer the questions on the Activity Guide.
Step One: Complete the Pre-Test
Before you begin this class, complete the online Pre-Test form.
Step Two: Download the Virtual Field Trip Activity Guide
Download the Virtual Field Trip activity guide here.
Step Three: Watch the Video and Complete the Virtual Field Trip Activity Guide
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 One: Download and Complete Day 1 Activity Guide
Create a Pollution Collector Activity Guide - Day 1
Step Two: Download and Complete Day 2 Activity Guide
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 One: Download and Read the Article
Download the Air You Breathe Article here.
Step Two: Download and Take Notes Using the Graphic Organizer
Download the Graphic Organizer here.
Step Three: Download and Complete the Crossword Puzzle
Download the Crossword Puzzle here.
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 One: Download and Complete the Activity Guide
Download the Research Local Pollution Activity Guide here.
Step Two: Download and Complete the Extension Activity
Download the Extension Activity here.
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 One: Download and Complete the Activity Guide
Download the Apply Your Knowledge Activity Guide here.
Step Two: Complete the Post Test
After completing the online air quality class, complete the online form here.
Page reviewed 09 August 2023