Resources

Monitoring local air pollution levels | 14–18 years

By

An image showing the pages available in the downloads with two flats in the shape of an 11 in the foreground.

Source: © Royal Society of Chemistry

Research and evaluate real data showing current and historical levels of the atmospheric pollutant nitrogen dioxide in your local area. Age range 14–16, with extension questions for 16–18

This resource shows how learners can access and evaluate real-time data about atmospheric pollutants in their local area to make the teaching of this topic at age range 14–16 (on GCSE and equivalent courses) more relevant for them and their future. Extension questions are provided to use the activity with learners age 16–18.

We must reduce air pollution if we are to meet the requirement of UN Sustainable development goal 11: make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. It is important to monitor levels of key pollutants to see how well initiatives such as congestion pricing zones and electric vehicles are affecting air quality.

The activity gives learners a chance to look at current and historical levels of nitrogen dioxide in the town or area where they live. 

Thanks for using the RSC’s education resources. You can view one resource per month as a visitor, or two resources per month when you’re logged in with a personal account.

A photograph of a teacher standing in a white lab coat, speaking with a class of children in a laboratory, is superimposed on a colourful background. Text reads "Teach Chemistry means support for classroom and staff room".

Register for Teach Chemistry for free, unlimited access

Registration is open to all teachers and technicians at secondary schools, colleges and teacher training institutions in the UK and Ireland.

Get all this, plus much more: 

  • unlimited access to resources, core practical videos and Education in Chemistry articles
  • teacher well-being toolkit, personal development resources and online assessments
  • applications for funding to support your lessons

Set up your Teach Chemistry account

Already a Teach Chemistry member? Sign in now.

Not a science teacher or technician based in the UK or Ireland? Don’t worry – you can also access all our resources with Royal Society of Chemistry membership.