About This Project

Students at LA high schools near freeways are disproportionately at risk for respiratory illnesses. This project seeks to teach high school students how to build low cost air sensors and engage in issues of public health and environmental justice. The principal investigators will recruit underrepresented students, facilitate hands-on experience in informal labs, and encourage low-income, first generation, and racial minority students to pursue higher education.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

37 LA public schools are located within 100 feet of freeways. Prolonged exposure to air pollution present at these sites have detrimental effects on the health of students, who are predominantly lower income and students of color. By building home made air sensors and designing participatory action research projects, this project aims to encourage alternative pathways to science that are culturally relevant and that capitalize on “pivotal moments” in order to guide students toward success in higher education. Scholarly and media attention regarding informal STEM education focuses on community-based spaces that function to promote democratic learning, especially among populations lacking STEM-based mentorship.

What is the significance of this project?

The project allows underrepresented students to see themselves as practicing STEM professionals. By conducting research within their home community, students can gain direct skills and knowledge about how science impacts their daily lives. Students can share their skills and knowledge with peers within a makerspace – an informal learning environment for exploring STEM-based projects in a local community setting -, cultivating peer-to-peer relationships, informal learning, and mentorship. Overall, the project contributes to an understanding of education as a widespread exchange of knowledge, resources, skills, and energies that come together to create a community of learning and ethical relationships where we are all responsible for one another.

What are the goals of the project?

Firstly, this project aims to establish a collaborative “do-it-together,” democratic spaces for STEM education at two high schools in the LA County to act as central hubs for the project. Secondly, teaching modules will be designed and implemented for high school students based around the following topics: scientific method, citizen science, skill sharing, and environmental justice. Thirdly, 2 years of data collection will be completed at both schools. Fourth, alternative pathways to STEM for underrepresented high school students will be created through collaboration between Pitzer College, APIOPA, and the high schools. Finally, the effectiveness of the project will be tested through reflection papers, group discussions, and evaluation surveys.