BRINGING
IAQ TO THE
CLASSROOM
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Many school employees are aware of the need for good indoor air
quality (IAQ) in schools. There are numerous training opportunities
for adults on IAQ issues and how to prevent or resolve them. IAQ
management plans usually involve school employees, parents, and
the administration. But an important ally is often overlooked-the
student.
Project A.I.R.E. (Air Information Resources for Educators) was
developed by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to focus
the attention of elementary, junior high, and high school students
on air pollution issues. The units in this package encourage students
to think more critically and creatively about air pollution problems
and the alternatives for resolving them. Topics covered include:
air quality, rainforests, radon, the creation of environmental laws,
the greenhouse effect and ozone.
In addition to Project A.I.R.E., the US EPA has created the EPA
Student Center , an on-line information and activity clearinghouse
for students in middle and high school to explore a wide range of
environmental issues such as air, water, environmental basics, conservations,
ecosystems and human health. The air page includes subjects such
as: “The Inside Story: Questions About Indoor Air Quality,” “Acid
Rain Sourcebook” and “The Plain English Guide to the Clean Air Act.”
A downloadable program called “Indoor Air Software” lets the student
tour a building to learn about the sources, health effects, and
prevention of indoor air problems.
Finally, the EPA Explorers Club is an on-line information and
activity clearinghouse that offers games, pictures, stories, and
other fun things for children ages 5-12. Topics covered include
air, water, plants and animals, and garbage and recycling. The Explorers
Club web page includes an Art Room, Game Room, Science Room, and
Trophy Case.
For more information, access:
Project
A.I.R.E.
EPA Student Center
EPA Explorers Club
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