EPA AIRNow

EPA AIRNow provides users an air-quality index (AQI) and ozone forecast and map. After launching the app, users must input a zip code or tap the “location” button, and EPA AIRNow provides them with an AQI and ozone forecast for the day and the next day, which can be accessed by swiping horizontally. To view the map, users tap the “map” icon on the bottom of the screen, and they will be able to view a map of the United States. On the map, users can see the AQI forecast, current AQI, an animation of AQI, ozone levels, and particle pollution (PM2.5) levels. Lastly, EPA AIRNow includes a “health info” icon that explains the colors found on the map.

Instructional Ideas

1. Teachers can have students view the map in this app and identify where the most polluted air in the USA is located. Next, teachers can have students research why the polluted air is located where it is, and what the short- and long-term effects of the polluted air may have on the people who live in that area.
2. Teachers can have students track the daily air quality for either their current location or another location in the U.S. Each day, students are to track whether the air is of a good, moderate, unhealthy for sensitive groups, unhealthy, or very unhealthy condition. When students notice a change in air quality, teachers can have them research what caused the change and compose a short explanation of the changes.
3. Teachers can have students compare the AQI and PM2.5 levels on the map. Teachers can have students decide if the AQI and PM2.5 are more similar or different. Teachers can also have students analyze if a relationship exists between the AQI and the PM2.5, such as: (1) If one increases, does the other decrease? (2) If one decreases, does the other increase? (3) If one decreases, does the other decrease?
4. After viewing the “Health Info” section of this app, students can conduct research to identify how unhealthy levels of AQI physically affect individuals. Students can compose short explanations of their findings using the WPS Office app, illustrate their findings using the Explain Everything app, or create a graphic organizer of their findings using the Popplet app.

Screenshots

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Screenshots