Clean Air Solutions
Students will be able to:
- Compare different clean air strategies
- Evaluate which solutions work best for different situations
- Create a comprehensive clean air plan
- Apply what they've learned to real-world scenarios
"What combination of solutions gives us the cleanest, healthiest air?"
There are three main ways to keep indoor air clean. The best approach uses ALL THREE together!
1. Source Control
Stop pollution BEFORE it starts!
- Don't burn candles indoors
- Use low-VOC products
- Clean up dust and mold
- Keep shoes at the door
2. Ventilation
Bring in fresh air!
- Open windows
- Use exhaust fans
- Run HVAC systems
- Create cross-breezes
3. Filtration
Clean the air that's there!
- HEPA air purifiers
- DIY CR boxes
- Upgraded HVAC filters
- Portable air cleaners
| Solution | Cost | Removes Particles | Removes CO2 | Removes Germs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open windows | Free! | Some | YES! | YES! |
| DIY CR Box | $50-80 | YES! | No | Some |
| HEPA purifier | $150-500 | YES! | No | Some |
| Better HVAC filter | $20-50/filter | YES! | No | Some |
| ALL TOGETHER! | Varies | YES! | YES! | YES! |
Design a Clean Air Plan!
Your group will be given a scenario. Design the best clean air plan using what you've learned!
Scenario A: Classroom
25 students, windows that open, budget of $100, concerned about both particles and germs.
Scenario B: Home Living Room
4 family members, windows but can't always open (pollen allergies), budget of $75.
Scenario C: School Cafeteria
200 students at lunch, no windows, needs to handle cooking smells and germs.
Scenario D: Wildfire Season
Outdoor air is smoky (AQI 180), can't open windows, need to keep classroom air clean.
Your Plan Should Include:
- Which of the 3 strategies you'll use
- Specific actions (open windows? DIY filter? etc.)
- Cost estimate
- Why your plan fits this scenario
Ventilation Works Best When:
- Outdoor air is clean
- Weather allows open windows
- You need to remove CO2/odors
- Worried about airborne germs
Filtration Works Best When:
- Outdoor air is polluted (wildfire!)
- Can't open windows (too hot/cold)
- Need to remove particles
- Have allergies
Unit 1: What's in Our Air?
Air is real, made of gases (N2, O2, CO2), and contains tiny particles (PM2.5). The AQI tells us if air is safe.
Unit 2: The Respiratory System
Air travels from nose to lungs to alveoli. Our lungs exchange O2 for CO2. Dirty air can hurt our breathing.
Unit 3: Germs & Disease Spread
Germs spread by contact, droplets, and airborne routes. Handwashing, ventilation, and masks help stop the spread.
Unit 4: Measuring Air Quality
Sensors measure CO2 and particles. We collect data, make graphs, and create reports to understand our air.
Unit 5: Cleaning Our Air
Filters trap particles, ventilation brings fresh air, and we can build our own air cleaners! Best results come from using multiple strategies together.
Complete these questions to earn your Clean Air Expert Certificate!
- Name two gases in air and tell what percentage each makes up.
- What is PM2.5 and why is it dangerous?
- Trace the path of air from your nose to where oxygen enters your blood.
- Name three ways germs can spread from person to person.
- What does high CO2 in a room tell us about the air?
- Explain how a filter traps particles.
- What is the difference between ventilation and filtration?
- Design a clean air plan for your bedroom. Include at least two strategies.
Grade 3-5 Curriculum: Key Takeaways
- Air is real and contains gases and particles that affect our health
- Our respiratory system needs clean air to work properly
- Germs spread through air, but we can stop them!
- We can measure air quality with sensors and make data-driven decisions
- Source control, ventilation, and filtration together give us the cleanest air
- Everyone can take action to improve indoor air quality!
What You Can Do Now:
- At home: Ask your family about HVAC filters - are they MERV 13?
- At school: Check if windows can open; suggest more ventilation breaks
- In your community: Share what you learned about clean air with others
- Check the AQI: Before outdoor activities, look up air quality
- Build a CR box: Help your family make a DIY air cleaner!
- Spread the word: Teach younger students about clean air!
Source Control
Preventing pollution at the source - stopping it before it starts.
Strategy
A plan or approach for solving a problem.
Comprehensive
Complete and including all parts - like using ALL clean air strategies together.
Evidence-Based
Making decisions based on data and facts, not just guessing.