On the development and implementation of a project-based learning curriculum for air quality in K-12 schools

The availability of low-cost sensors and environmental monitoring technologies is growing rapidly. While researchers are making use of these technologies and validating their results, there is also enormous potential for their use in education and outreach. Through the North Fork Valley (NFV) Project, we are bringing next-generation air quality monitors into the classroom and developing necessary resources to support student-driven research projects. This project is a collaboration between the University of Colorado at Boulder, community partners, and educational partners (Delta County School District 50, and St Vrain Valley School District) and is funded by the NSF-funded AirWaterGas (AWG) Sustainability Research Network Education and Outreach (E&O) efforts. During year two, we are formalizing the curriculum, implementing it in multiple school districts, and conducting assessment activities. This paper will discuss the curriculum, the results of our assessments thus far, and our vision for the project. The work completed during year two will help ensure we are building a sustainable project. Additionally, we intend to make the curriculum public with hopes that other research groups working with low-cost air quality sensors can utilize our materials and possibly our model for their own education and outreach.