Overview of the Activity
The Arduino Air Quality Monitor activity is an interdisciplinary project between Environmental Sustainability and Computer Aid Design. The activity lets students combine their knowledge about integral health, sustainable development goals, properties of the atmosphere, programming, and computer design programs like Tinkercadd.
The lesson includes a student guide with the context, learning expectations, and a rubric. It also includes a presentation with the materials list and instructions for building the Arduino air quality monitor. Finally, the activity provides code and a library to program the Arduino.
About Rochester School
Rochester School is the only LEED Platinum school in Colombia. The school has intelligent classrooms that monitor carbon dioxide and temperature levels. These classrooms can adjust atmospheric conditions using a sophisticated ventilation system.
The sensors and ventilation system keep the conditions within the parameters for optimal teaching and learning. For the rooms to operate properly, three criteria must be met: the ventilation ducts cannot be blocked, the sealed doors must remain closed, and the sensors must be calibrated.
Student Project Work
The goal for the students was to build an Arduino Air Quality Monitor to audit the atmospheric properties of the classrooms. Their final product was a report of their findings and an improvement plan directed to the principal of Rochester School.
In technology class, the students designed the device and the code. They also 3D printed a box to contain the monitor, focusing on aesthetics, ergonomics, and function.
Why Air Quality Matters
The atmospheric properties in a classroom affect teaching and learning. Studies show that poor indoor air quality influences more than respiratory ailments and allergies. Indoor air pollution in schools can also affect attendance and academic performance.
Research on Air Quality and Learning
A study in China found that children in schools with higher levels of airborne particulates had more cases of asthma and more hospital admissions. A study from Oregon showed that students taking exams at 72°F performed better than those tested at 61°F or 82°F.
Research also links air pollution to memory performance. A study published in Health Affairs reported that high levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), a common pollutant from vehicles and combustion, were associated with a 7.37 percent decrease in memory function. These findings show that air quality can influence children’s cognitive performance and health.
Effects of CO₂ Levels
Air quality affects concentration. Higher levels of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in classrooms make it harder for students to stay focused. Elevated CO₂ is associated with headaches, drowsiness, and confusion. It can also reduce a person’s ability to plan, think strategically, and take initiative. While not immediately dangerous, high CO₂ levels can reduce academic performance.
Role of Ventilation
Ventilation also plays a role. A study from the University of Tulsa found that students in classrooms with poor air quality and inadequate ventilation scored an average of 74 points lower on exams. This suggests that ventilation quality can influence academic outcomes.
Air Quality and Absenteeism
Poor air quality is linked to higher absenteeism. Asthma is one of the leading causes of school absences. In American schools, asthma accounts for about 14 million missed school days each year.
Both long-term and short-term exposure to poor air quality can trigger asthma. Once it develops, it becomes a chronic condition. Higher levels of particles, smoke, and other irritants can worsen symptoms and increase the likelihood of an asthma attack. In severe cases, an attack may require urgent medical attention.
Full Arduino Air Quality Monitor Project: Arduino Air Quality Monitor PDF
How do you use it?
Connecting the Resource to Content
The resource connects to topics related to the Sustainable Development Goals, biology, environmental sustainability, technology, and engineering. Students must understand carbon dioxide, temperature, humidity, and particulate matter. They also need to know how these factors affect health.
Teachers can introduce this background knowledge by asking students to read and answer the background section of the student handout.
Organizing Student Work
Students then work in groups. Each group receives Arduino materials or is asked to obtain them. Group members take on separate roles.
One person can design the Arduino schematic and code in Tinkercad. Another can design the box to be 3D printed. A third person can assemble the Arduino, upload the code, and collect the data from the rooms.
Required Resources
Students must have access to computers, Arduino parts, and a 3D printer. If a school does not have these resources, local colleges and universities are often willing to assist.
Why do you like it?
This activity is useful because the students create a solution to a problem that has a significant effect on their overall health. In addition, they can use the information gathered from the activity to advocate for their human rights. If the conditions of the room are poor, they can also write a letter to their school leaders to encourage improvements to classroom conditions. Overall, the activity shows students that their voice can have impact when they have a focused objective and objective numerical data to support their claims.
Target Audience
- Student Ages 14-18
- Educators Teaching Ages 14-18
- Parents with Children Ages 14-18
Resource Creator: Matthew Reis, William Zorro, and Nicolas F.
Matthew Reis is an educator who teaches Environmental Sustainability and AP Biology at Rochester School. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology and a master’s degree in Life Sciences and Agriculture. He completed his doctorate in Educational Leadership in 2024. His work focuses on helping students understand the connections between scientific inquiry, environmental issues, and real‑world decision‑making.
William Zorro is an educator with a background in Industrial Design. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design and a master’s degree in Innovational Education with ICT. With five years of experience teaching Product Development, he teaches CAD (Computer‑Aided Design) at Rochester School, where he emphasizes creative problem‑solving and design thinking.
Nicolas F. is a 12th‑grade student at Rochester School who enjoys applying technology and science to solve practical problems. His graduation project focuses on developing a mobile application that introduces students to money management and financial literacy. He frequently works with Arduino projects because they make hands‑on engineering accessible, affordable, and fun. He plans to study Industrial Engineering at university.