Sustrans introduced an air quality awareness programme to develop knowledge and understanding of the wider benefits of the School Streets trials in East Sussex. This project is part of ‘Your Active Journey’, East Sussex County Council’s active travel programme.
Taking the students on an air quality journey.
Students at three schools in East Sussex took part in the air quality sessions:
- Langney Primary Academy in Eastbourne
- Southover Primary in Lewes
- All Saints in Bexhill.
They embarked on a journey to discover what air pollution is and the impact it can have on us and the environment.
They investigated the levels of air pollution around their own school, and then turned their new skills and knowledge into action, encouraging change to improve the air we breathe.
100
hours of workshops
510
young people participated
Introducing the science
To start off, the students learned about the science behind air pollution.
They worked towards answering the question: ‘How clean is the air we breathe?’
They learned that transport is one of the main sources of pollution in the UK.
They looked closely at air pollution and what it is made of.
And investigated the impact that air pollution has on our bodies, and on the natural world around us.
Writing about their experience, a student said: "We have found out that cars aren’t the only things that pollute the air, all vehicles do.
With that knowledge, the session moved on to coming up with ideas on what can be done to improve the air we breathe.
Exploring the air we breathe
Next up was a Lichen workshop.
The students learnt to use lichen as a bio indicator of the air quality around their school.
Having learned what the colours of lichen indicated about the air around it, they discussed how clean or dirty the air was around their school based on what they'd found.
Lichen, a bio indicator of air quality, under a microscope.
Becoming an Air Quality Explorer
Produced by our Air Quality Officer, Paul, the Air Quality Explorer videos take the students through various air quality-related topics.
Each video sets a challenge to raise awareness of air quality issues whilst enjoying time outdoors.
They enabled the whole school community to continue exploring air quality outside of the classroom, as well as with family and friends.
When the students completed an Air Quality Explorer challenge, they received an 'Air Quality Champion' badge to celebrate.
Testing the air around the school
The students set up nitrogen dioxide diffusion tubes around their school.
Using the results, they were able to identify areas where high levels of pollution are commonly found, and come up with potential solutions for reducing the levels.
Recounting their findings, a student said: “We have been exploring air pollution by putting up diffusion tubes in three places around the school.
"The results were 15ug/m3, which is not a safe level for our school.”
Students used a variety of methods, including nitrogen dioxide diffusion tubes and lichen workshops, to research the air quality around their school.
Putting the findings into action
After testing the air around the school, the students thought through how they wanted to share the information they had discovered to raise awareness of the dangers and improve the air around their school.
Some students made road signs with air pollution information, inspired by the London campaign group, Choked Up.
Others researched their local MP and wrote them a letter.
They explained what they had discovered from testing the air, the impact it could have, and what they’d like to happen to make it better.
They invited their MP to visit to continue the conversation.
Reflecting on the experience
Students and educators found the project to be a success, and the feedback was very positive.
He continued: “The children have told me that they loved investigating their surroundings and looking closely at the trees in our school and the different types of (lichen), which informed us about the air that we breathe. They also loved hearing about the results of the study which made it all so real.
“Thanks to (this) project, many more families are more motivated to find alternative ways to come to school and not just use their cars.”
The initiative is designed to help school communities consider improvements to the space outside their school gates.
Part of a wider project
The air quality programme is part of a wider School Streets initiative in East Sussex.
The initiative is designed to help school communities consider improvements to the space outside their school gates.
Our Designers and School Engagement Officers worked with the children to come up with suggestions for the future, considering the school community and what they'd learned about the local air quality.
East Sussex School Streets brought together expertise and knowledge from across Sustrans and East Sussex County Council.
It combined collaborative and urban design expertise, with the knowledge and experience of our Air Quality Schools Officers.
A collaborative effort
The Air Quality Programme was delivered as part of Your Active Journey East Sussex.
The funding was secured by East Sussex County Council from the Department for Transport’s Active Travel Fund.
Your Active Journey is an East Sussex County Council active travel programme.
It is delivered through providers Sustrans, Living Streets, Pedal Power, Road Safety and Southeast Community Rail Partnership.
