Now that students and educators have returned to the classrooms, we want to highlight the programs and resources we offer K-12 schools in Spokane County. We enjoy interacting with students through hands-on air quality activities that highlight the importance of clean air! Below is a summary of programs and resources we provide to local schools, educators, and students:
No-Idle Zone Program
Our award-winning No-Idle Zone program reminds motorists that vehicle exhaust is harmful to little lungs. A significant amount of idling occurs at schools by vehicles lined up to pick up and drop offf students. This is concerning because children are especially susceptible to the harmful effects of air pollution, including vehicle exhaust, because their lungs are not fully developed.
Our voluntary No-Idle Zone program is being implemented at schools throughout Spokane County. Pre and post surveys have indicated a significant drop in idling due to the awareness the program provides. Large signs that serve as visual reminders to drivers idling at drop-off/pick-up areas to turn off their vehicles. Putting the brakes on unnecessary vehicle idling contributes to better air quality for our kids, schools, and neighborhoods.
Currently, almost 50 schools in six districts in Spokane County participate in the program. The No-Idle Zone program is provided to participating schools free of charge, including signs, informaiton, and optional classroom lessons. If you are interested in implementing the No-Idle Zone at a school near you, click here. If you’d like to learn more about the program before signing up, we are available to present to parent-teacher associations, school staff, and administrators.
Classroom Visits
Spokane Clean Air provides engaging, hands-on activities that explore air quality issues. We present to K-12 schools and classrooms throughout Spokane County, including homeschool programs. Our programs are tailored to fit each classroom’s needs and learning objectives. To discuss and schedule a classroom program, please contact 509-477-4727, ext. 125 or APawlak@spokanecleanair.org
Kids Making Sense
Air quality sensors are great tools for educators to engage their students in the exploration of air pollution. This is why the Kids Making Sense (KMS) program has been successfully deployed in hundreds of classrooms in the United States, including Spokane County.
Spokane Clean Air introduced the Kids Making Sense program locally during the 2022-2023 school year and has since distributed classroom sensor kits to every main Spokane school district for use by students ages 6-12. Keep an eye out on our web articles, socials, and newsletters to catch KMS updates from our participating schools!
Want to check out a sensor, but aren’t a participating KMS school? The Spokane Public Library’s Library of Things has two AQgo sensors available for checkout as long as you have a library card!
Click here for more information about our youth education program!
