AQTreks (AirQualityTreks)

AQTreks (AirQualityTreks) is a mobile air pollution monitoring program for students, organizations, scout troops, and citizen scientists. In AQTreks, with the assistance of their teachers, students hypothesize where air pollution levels may be high or low and use a Personal Air Monitor (PAM) on Treks of their own design. Air pollutants are measured and data are viewed on their smartphones. The data are automatically uploaded from the phone via WiFi or 3G and shared online for analysis, discussion, and comparison with other schools’ Trek data.

Data can be viewed on both a 3-D map and on individual air pollutant graphs. AQTreks also provides a full, online curriculum with information about each pollutant and ideas for interesting Treks. By participating in AQTreks, students gain a powerful voice in the air pollution discussion.

The PAM measures the following air pollutants:
-Carbon Monoxide (CO)
-Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
-Particulate Matter 1, 2.5, and 10 (PM)
-Temperature, Pressure, Humidity

Examples of things students can study:
-Particulate levels behind vs. in front of a tree barrier
-Carbon monoxide and particulate levels during drop off and pickup
-Carbon dioxide levels inside classrooms