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8th Grade  Project 6 weeks

Classroom Air Innovators

Sarah F
Updated
MS-ESS3-4
MS-ETS1-1
MS-ETS1-2
MS-ETS1-3
MS-ETS1-4
+ 1 more
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The Challenge

When you spend hours in a crowded classroom, outdoor pollution, indoor particle sources, limited airflow, and aging building systems can create localized air-pollution hotspots that affect health and learning. Rising population density and per-person energy use can intensify these conditions while increasing demands on Earth’s resources and building systems.

Challenge Question

How might we address indoor air pollution hotspots in crowded NYC classrooms so that students and staff can learn and work in healthier conditions?

Standards

  • [New York] MS-ESS3-4 - Construct an argument supported by evidence for how increases in human population and per-capita consumption of natural resources impact Earth's systems.
  • [New York] MS-ETS1-1 - Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.
  • [New York] MS-ETS1-2 - Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
  • [New York] MS-ETS1-3 - Analyze data from tests to determine similarities and differences among several design solutions to identify the best characteristics of each that can be combined into a new solution to better meet the criteria for success.
  • [New York] MS-ETS1-4 - Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved.

Competencies

  • Critical Thinker - Analyzes information thoughtfully, evaluates evidence critically, and identifies patterns and connections between different pieces of information (across multiple content areas) to address complex issues and navigate the world with insight.

Learning Partners and Clients

The New York City School Construction Authority will serve as the project client, reviewing student models for reducing indoor air pollution hotspots in crowded NYC schools. NYC School-Based Health Center staff and school nurses can share observations about health concerns and classroom conditions. School facilities managers can identify ventilation constraints and provide feedback on whether prototypes and recommendations could support building-level planning and design reviews.

Phase Overview

Phase Key Experiences
Discover
I can investigate classroom pollution hotspots through a safe airflow visualization and room walk, then map patterns and ask questions about how crowding, ventilation, and resource use may contribute to the problem.
Examine
I can analyze classroom air-quality, occupancy, and ventilation data to identify patterns and likely causes of pollution hotspots. I can gather observations from school nurses, health-center staff, and facilities managers to connect indoor air conditions with health and learning. I can evaluate how population density and resource consumption affect Earth systems and classroom air quality, then use evidence to define precise criteria, constraints, and potential impacts for an engineering solution.
Engineer
I can develop a small-scale airflow or filtration prototype and engineering plan that applies scientific principles to reduce pollution hotspots while meeting the cost, space, safety, energy, and maintenance constraints of crowded NYC schools.
Do
I can implement my prototype in a controlled classroom model, collect airflow or particle-capture data across repeated trials, compare its performance with competing solutions, and use the results to identify effective features and needed revisions.
Share
I can share my revised model, engineering brief, evidence-based argument, learning journey, and what I learned about myself through an interactive design review with peers, families, school health staff, facilities managers, and representatives of the New York City School Construction Authority.