Engaging students in authentic air quality research projects through collaboration with university and NASA scientists

Keywords: Air Quality, Student Projects, NASA
Session Type: Virtual Paper Abstract
Day: Tuesday
Session Start / End Time: 3/1/2022 08:00 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 3/1/2022 09:20 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 31

Abstract

Poor air quality is an environmental problem that is increasing in importance especially in environmental justice communities. In the next two years three satellites (TEMPO, MAIA and PACE) will be launched that will be used to study air quality on a broad level. In addition, surface observation equipment have been developed that citizen scientists and K-12 schools are deploying to monitor particulate matter (PM 2.5) in their neighborhoods or near their schools. Through a cooperative project called GLOBE Mission EARTH between the University of Toledo, Tennessee State University and NASA Langley Research Center, we are engaging K-12, university students and environmental justice stakeholders in authentic air quality research projects. Specifically, students have used Purple Air PM 2.5 sensors to collect air quality data, harvest data from the Purple Air website and analyze the data to develop research projects in conjunction with project scientists. Students are encouraged to look at air quality issues around their neighborhood and school. Students have linked air quality observations to local traffic as well as wild fires from near or far.