Air Quality Health Index classroom kit, grades 5 and 6, environment: chapter 1

Quick Reference Guide

Quick Reference Guide
Lesson	1: Plug it in? Breathe it in! The environmental impacts of producing electricity	2: Air quality and the environment: Tracking our actions back to the earth’s resources
Summary	This lesson uses comic strips, rotating placemats, and sticky concept maps to teach students about how electricity connects to air quality. Topics include Air Quality Health Index (AQHI), renewable and non-renewable resources, emerging technologies, air pollution, and fossil fuels.	This lesson connects everyday choices to renewable and non-renewable sources of energy. Short, focused activities keep students’ attention as they learn about air quality, fossil fuels, and electricity.
Materials	Projector Chart paper 2 or 3 Post-it® note pads Markers (8)	Petroleum jelly White paper/card stock OR large and small jars Chart paper Markers
Preparation	Introducing the Clean Air Heroes (projected) Rotating Placemat Activity (1 per group of four) Sticky Concept Maps (1 per group) Group Readings (1 per group) Comic Strip Assignment (1 per student)	One Week Ahead: Set up for visible pollution (See Instructions) Before Class: Prepare chart paper (See Instructions) Hands Up (projected) Carousel Readings (1 per group) Air Quality Report (1 per student)
Curricular Theme	Living and non-living resources; Renewable and non-renewable sources of electrical energy	Living and non-living resources; Renewable and non-renewable sources of electrical energy

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