By: Professor Juan Carlos Mejía
Air quality is a determining factor for the health, comfort, and performance of individuals in school environments. Aware of this reality and seeking to provide the best environmental conditions for learning, the school has decided to acquire and implement an “Outdoor” air quality sensor model from AirGradient. In addition to this objective, the aim is to promote didactic and educational research projects that involve both teachers and students, fostering active learning, critical thinking, and environmental engagement.
Description and Location of the Device
The sensor is a robust and highly precise device, designed to operate under external conditions and capture reliable data on various atmospheric parameters. This device has already been installed in the Science Building of the school, specifically in one of its hallways, thanks to the work and dedication of the STEM Club, composed of 11th and 12th-grade students interested in science and technology fields. They were responsible for the assembly and configuration, ensuring the device was fully operational and began collecting data immediately.
The sensor’s structure is made with durable materials that withstand climatic changes, protecting its internal components and allowing real-time data measurement. The installation site, near the Limoncillo parking lot, was strategically chosen to obtain representative data from the surrounding environment, and the design of the equipment minimizes interference, providing accurate results that can be regularly consulted or accessed on demand.
Parameters Measured by the Sensor
Thanks to the technology incorporated into this model, the device measures various variables that influence air quality:
- Particulate Matter (PM): Records concentrations of fine particles PM2.5 and PM10, which are relevant to respiratory health and come from sources like vehicle emissions, fuel burning, and environmental dust.
- Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): Although located outdoors, CO₂ levels also fluctuate based on the density of people or proximity to areas with combustion processes. This parameter helps understand the impact of human activity on air composition.
- Temperature and Humidity: These fundamental variables are important for both comfort perception and the dispersion of particles and gases. They also help contextualize and interpret the other data correctly.
Applications and Relevance for Classroom Research Projects
The implementation of this sensor opens up a wide range of possibilities for developing research projects in the school context. The Physics subject, for example, can use this data to study the propagation of particles in the atmosphere or the interaction of radiation with various gases. However, its usefulness extends to many other areas:
- Biology and Health: Evaluating the relationship between environmental pollution and human health, as well as the impact on ecosystems near the school.
- Chemistry: Analyzing the composition of pollutants, understanding chemical reactions in the atmosphere, and identifying the origin of harmful compounds.
- Geography and Environmental Studies: Correlating air quality results with geographical and meteorological factors, understanding how topography and climate affect pollutant dispersion.
- Mathematics and Statistics: Collecting, organizing, and analyzing the data using statistical methods to identify trends, daily and seasonal variations, as well as correlations with other variables.
Each project developed based on these measurements encourages a practical and experimental approach, while also fostering skills in collaboration, research, critical analysis, and scientific communication.
Importance for the Colegio Bolívar Community
Having reliable data on air quality offers multiple benefits for our community:
- Informed Decision-Making: School authorities can assess when to carry out outdoor activities and plan strategies to improve the environment in common areas.
- Environmental Awareness and Sensitization: Sharing measurement results promotes a culture of respect for the environment and greater responsibility within the educational community.
- Health and Well-being Improvement: Knowing the fluctuations in air quality allows for adjustments in activities and habits to avoid prolonged exposure to high levels of pollution.
- Connection with the External Community: The collected data can be used for collaborations with other institutions and government entities, extending the educational and social impact of the project.
This project is made possible thanks to the management and support of the school’s sustainability and innovation departments, led by Jessica Gómez and Katie Neal. The High School STEM Club works under the guidance of Professor Juan Carlos Mejía. The data provided by the sensor can be accessed in real-time by visiting the website https://www.airgradient.com/map. In the search bar, you need to enter the city name (Cali, in this case), and then click on the icon that appears over Colegio Bolívar.