You probably take around 20,000 breaths a day, but do you think about what is in the air you’re breathing? Air isn’t empty space—its gases, microscopic particles, molecules, compounds, dust, pollen, and much more. Your lungs do a great job of pulling the oxygen out of it, but what happens when the air you breathe holds toxins?

It is not only the quality of air outdoors that matters. We spend most of our time inside and many things in our homes can impact the air quality, even down to the kind of energy we use.

A surprising source of air pollution is the agriculture industry. The ways we feed livestock, fertilize plants, and process food, all contribute pollutants into the air that can impact nearby communities and agriculture workers themselves.

As an end of unit review, students explore different local pollution scenarios based on the case studies and topics presented in class. Students will apply their new knowledge to identify potential chemical pollutants, their probable sources, and answer additional exploration questions.

Wildfires are a common occurrence in the natural world and an important part of creating the ecosystems we enjoy today. However, because our climate has been growing more extreme, with hotter temperatures and dryer conditions, fires have an easier time burning through whole forests, towns, and communities.

You know that vehicles that run on combustion cause pollution, airplanes are no different. Aviation is actually a major source of pollution, with some airports generating the same amount of emissions as multiple coal plants. Planes fly all over the globe, but how are the communities surrounding major airports affected?

Industry refers to the economic activity concerned with the resource extraction, manufacturing, and production of goods and services. It can also be used to refer to groups of businesses making the same products. The emissions from industrial activity can pollute our air.

Students use these questions and sub-questions tailored to the topic to dive deep into the chemistry behind air quality, explore local air quality challenges, and solutions to clean the air.

Air quality and temperature have an interesting relationship, as temperatures rise so can the level of pollution. Our concrete, asphalt, and buildings absorb and re-emit this heat, creating a Heat Island while also trapping and concentrating pollutants at dangerous levels.

Cars are a major part of our everyday lives. These combustion powered vehicles create a haze of air pollutants that degrades the air quality of those who live closest to major transportation corridors.

These packets are organized around one pollutant for students to practice systems thinking through the lens of a specific chemical. They include the best articles, graphics, maps, and graphs about each chemical. Each are integrated with the case studies above.