This initiative was created using a workshop and this Website to introduce air quality concepts into the Scott and Rock Island County school systems. Its purpose is to carry the Quad Cities' ground level ozone message into the community via the areas' youth. A teacher training workshop was held on October 12, 2000 and workbook were used as the vehicles to carry this message. The project was funded by a environmental education grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Region VII.

The Quad Cities "Aware of Air" Teachers' Training Program used lesson plans from other areas of the country, many available on the Internet. By providing existing curricula, the material has been proven and utilized by a number of schools and trainers. It should be noted that the Quad Cities is in relatively good standing with ground-level ozone but many other areas of the Country are facing more severe problems which require more intensive efforts.

The Bi-State Region Air Quality Task Force and Bi-State Regional Commission are working together to provide teachers with a variety of sources of information and facts that will encourage Quad Cities, students to think critically, creatively and comprehensively about ground level ozone in the Quad Cities and air pollution problems in general. An "Aware of Air?" informational brochure was distributed in the Scott and Rock Island County school systems in Fall 1999 and copies are available by contacting Bi-State Regional Commission.

Air Quality Index for Kids

http://www.epa.gov/airnow/aqikids/index.html
Excellent source of information for children of young ages. This multimedia driven site explains the importance of Air Quality with games and friendly characters. There is even an option for the site to be translated in Spanish.

Air Quality Lesson Plans for Teachers (K-12)
The following lesson plans were provided in the Quad Cities, IA/IL (Scott and Rock Island Counties) "Aware of Air?" Teacher Training Workshop held on October 12, 2000. Lessons were selected by a subcommittee of the Bi-State Region Air Quality Task Force as representative of general information on ground-level ozone that appeared to be applicable to our local situation. You will find additional information at these sites but the workshop provided information on the lesson plans listed below.