Lesson Plan
Airborne Dust Control Presentation for Youth (Grades 4-8)
Author: Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (May 2006)
Revised by: Maricopa County Air Quality Department (May 2008)
Contact: Holly Ward - hward@mail.maricopa.gov - (602) 506-6713
Title: Keep down the dust!
Subject: Particulate Matter air pollution: causes, effects, solutions
Subcategory: Airborne dust issues regarding off-road vehicle use on vacant land
Description: Students learn about air pollution with a focus on Particulate Matter. They learn about the effects of particulate matter, and possible solutions to reduce air pollution. Students participate in role-play activity and discover different perspectives in a current, real-life situation regarding airborne dust in a residential neighborhood. Groups of students portray off-road vehicle riders, vacant landowner, neighbors, Air Quality
Department field services inspector, and Maricopa County Sheriff Deputies, and try to resolve conflict between each group's needs.
Audience: Youth grades 4-8.
Duration: 45-60 minutes.
Goals: Students will gain a greater awareness of air pollution issues, specifically regarding Particulate Matter. Individuals will be inspired to take action in their personal lives to reduce air pollution, and/or reduce their exposure to air pollution in general.
Objectives: Students will play different roles related to opposing perspectives on dust control issues. The issues are associated with off-road vehicle use on vacant land in a residential neighborhood.
Resources: Background information cards and extra paper copies on: off-road vehicle riders, landowner, neighbors, Maricopa County Air Quality Department, and the Sheriff's Department.
Props: Props are optional, can be substituted appropriately, and are greatly beneficial in adding excitement and interest in learning.
Setting up the scenario: cloth to represent area of desert land, Duplo blocks for homes, toy quad (off-road vehicle), toy bicycle, toy child
Off-road vehicle users: helmet, gloves
Vacant landowner: hat, tie
Neighbors: watering can, trowel, garden gloves
Air quality inspectors: hat, clipboard, pen
Sheriff: sheriff badges, caution tape
Visuals and demonstration: Air pollutant identification posters, particulate matter size comparison chart, unused and
used filters from monitoring sites, electron microscope images of Particulate Matter 2.5, healthy/unhealthy pigs lungs comparison kit