AirNow
Data, Graphs, and Maps
Grades6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12Biology, Geography, Health
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Provided by EPA
What it is
- This interactive map allows students to explore current levels of ozone and particulate matter at monitoring stations across the United States.
- A forecast map, 24-hr animated loop, and archived data are available to explore as well.
Teaching tips
Positives
- Students can enter in an address, zip code, city, or state to search.
- The map includes all state boundaries and if you zoom in, the county lines appear.
Prerequisites
- Students should be familiar with a map of the United States.
- This is a fairly simple map, but you might want to demonstrate using the different functions.
Differentiation & Implementation
- This map could be a great tool for students to explore in a social studies class or geography lesson when discussing the effects of pollution on various communities.
- The map features data from tribal areas and national parks as well, which could be used in civics classes when discussing regulations and laws to protect nature and Indigenous communities.
- Other resources to consider on this topic include this global air quality map and this article by the American Lung Association.
From the scientist review
The resource provides proficiency for students to explore and investigate air quality output in their locality using their region's zip code. This resource is valid and recommended for teaching.
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Hosted on gispub.epa.gov
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