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What Is in the Outdoor Air? Exploring Particulate Matter (PM) Sources and Air Quality Outdoors Using Air Sensors
Citation:
Ryder, O., H. Minor, S. Brown, R. Duvall, A. Clements, AND R. Freed. What Is in the Outdoor Air? Exploring Particulate Matter (PM) Sources and Air Quality Outdoors Using Air Sensors. To be Presented at Air Sensor Loan Programs, RTP, North Carolina, January 28, 2021.
Impact/Purpose:
To determine ambient air quality conditions around the U.S., criteria air pollutants are measured at a limited number of sites using expensive, regulatory-grade instruments. New, lower-cost air sensors have become available to the public who are using the devices to learn more about air quality in their communities. As part of a Regional, State, Tribal Research Project with EPA Region 9, an air sensor loan program was developed in partnership with the Los Angeles Public Library system. As part of the program, air sensors can be checked out by library patrons similar to checking out a book. This research project advances our knowledge of air sensors and promotes citizen science/community involvement in research while simultaneously advancing EPA’s goals of collaborating with impacted stakeholders and providing ways for the public to engage in research studies. Groups that would be interested or could apply the results from this research include public libraries, museums, schools, communities, state/local/tribal air agencies, EPA Regional Offices, and other federal agencies.
Description:
Air sensors can help make invisible air pollution visible! This hands-on, interactive lesson plan is designed to give users an introduction to air sensors and provides activities for exploring outdoor air quality and particulate matter (PM) sources using a handheld, mobile, air sensor. This suite of materials has been compiled to support classroom, individual, and/or group program instruction. This lesson plan includes the main instructor guide document and supporting appendices including a participant guide, an introductory slideset, an example map, a participant worksheet, a document discussing the alignment of these activities with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), a resource guide, and a frequently asked questions document.