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Composition of Air

Composition of Air

Tools for Schools Curriculum and Activities

http://www.epa.gov/region01/eco/iaq

This guide has been developed to focus the attention of students on indoor air quality (IAQ) issues as part of the EPA’s IAQ Tools for Schools Kit. A comprehensive set of lessons.

Approximately 14 class periods

Suggested Grade Level: K-3

National Safety Council – IAQ Teacher’s Guide

http://www.nsc.org/public/ehc/iaq/teachgde.pdf

This set of lessons was produced in cooperation with EPA’s IAQ Tools for Schools program.  It is a comprehensive set of lessons that covers the basics of. The lesson procedures are well described making it easy for a teacher to implement.

Approximately 10 class periods for the full curriculum

Suggested Grade Level: 4-6

Clearing the Air

http://www.in.gov/idem/your_environment/education/catalog/clearingtheair.pdf

This set of hands-on activities introduces air and pollution presented by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.

2-3 class periods

Suggested Grade Level: K-6

Aligned with Indiana Academic Standards

http://www.doe.state.in.us/standards/welcome2.html

Air and Its Characteristics

http://www.eduref.org/cgi-bin/printlessons.cgi/Virtual/Lessons/Science/Physical_Sciences/PHY0075.html

This is a demonstration based science lesson from the Educator’s Reference Desk that introduces air. 

1 class period

Suggested Grade Level: 4-7

Teaching Engineering Lesson

http://www.teachengineering.com/view_lesson.php?url=http://www.teachengineering.com/collection/cub_/lessons/cub_air/cub_air_lesson01.xml

This lesson includes demonstrations and hands-on experimentation using M&M’s to introduce air pollution and air quality.

35 minutes

Suggested Grade Level: 4-6 (Modifications and Extensions Included)

Aligned with McREL (Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning)

Content Knowledge Standards and Topics

http://mcrel.org

Hydroville U.S.A.

http://www.hydroville.org/

This is a full-unit simulation of indoor air quality (IAQ) problems at Hydroville Middle School, a fictional school with many different IAQ issues.

Subjects Included: Sources of IAQ problems, Thermal comfort, IAQ hazards, HVAC systems, Chemical pollutants, Particulate matter, Mold, Fungus, TVOCs, IAQ hazard risks, Creating action plans.

Approximately 38 class periods.

Suggested Grade Level: 9-12

Aligned with National Science Education Standards in addition to other national standards for Reading, Math, Health, and Technology

http://www.nsta.org/standards

Sample lessons available on website, full program available for purchase

AMBIENT Curriculum Air Module

http://www.rsmas.miami.edu/groups/niehs/ambient/teacher/air/Tair.html

The AMBIENT Project is a systemic approach to environmental health science education funded by the National Institute of Health and being implemented by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) at the University of Miami.

The AMBIENT curriculum air module is comprised of a number of segments. This unit focuses on the effects of poor indoor air quality on breathing.  Many lessons are focusing on epidemiology.  This would fit in well to a health curriculum.

Approximately 11 one hour class periods and 9 two hour block periods

Suggested Grade Level: 9-12

IAQ Comic Book

(need link to Comic Book)

This is a comic book and powerpoint presentation teachers can use to introduce IAQ issues.  Subjects Included: Indoor environment, HVAC systems, Properties of air, Outdoor pollution, Indoor pollution, Respiratory system, Mold, Classroom and school walk-through.

Suggested Grade Level: 4-8

Aligned to California Department of Education Content Standards

http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/

Take a Field Trip to Your School

http://www.shellyjeri.net/My_Homepage_Files/Download/Take%20a%20Field%20Trip%20to%20Your%20School%20DRAFT%207_14_05.doc

This is a teacher’s guide to assist students and teachers in using the EPA’s IAQ Tools for Schools checklist(s) to conduct a school walkthrough.

1 class period for the “field trip,” and a second class period for follow up

Suggested Grade Level: 9-12

IAQ Student Project

http://www.shellyjeri.net/My_Homepage_Files/Download/STUDENT%20PROJECT%20COMPLETE%20.doc

This is an in-depth project about IAQ issues.  It is student-led and self-paced, and would also work well for an environmental club project.

Suggested Grade Level: 9-12