Compared to adults, children have less developed bodies and a weaker immune system. In general, they like to spend a lot of time outdoors and it takes time to change their habit of inhaling through the mouth. Given these vulnerabilities, it's important to protect children by creating a safe school environment where air pollution doesn't exceed dangerous levels. This top-down approach is important. However, what is also needed is personal agency. It's never too early to know what air you breathe, how pollution affects your health, what causes it, and what you can do to protect yourself. Citizen science can provide all of that and there is no better place to introduce it to children than schools.

Case studies

Herzele

COMPAIR introduced new educational programmes on traffic (Schools Count!) and air quality (JOAQUIN) in primary schools in Herzele (Gemeentelijke basisschool De Kersentuin and Vrije Basisschool Herzele) and Ghent (De Krekel). 'Schools Count!' aims to promote sustainability and climate awareness among fifth and sixth graders, while JOAQUIN focuses on behavioural choices that limit air pollution amongst the same age group. Citizen science is a key part of both teaching packages as the intention is to go beyond the traditional lecture-based classes by incorporating analysis of sensor data. 

The Schools Count! programme starts with an introduction into mobility in the context of global warming and environmental pollution. Children then learn how small changes in behaviour can lead to improvements in road safety and air quality. Next, pupils have a chance to examine a traffic situation around the school by looking at data from Telraam. In the interactive exercise that follows, they are asked to reflect on their commute to school and what changes they would be willing to make to better the situation.

‘Schools Count!’ in action

The JOAQUIN educational package introduces concepts such as the air we breathe, the impact of pollution on our health, and mitigation strategies to improve air quality. COMPAIR introduced the package during a month-long pilot project in which kids monitored air quality on the way to and from school while on a field trip in the city. At the end of the month, kids summarised their insights from the lessons, experiments and classroom data analysis in fun posters.

From the knowledge they received during these pilots at one 'Schools Count!' programme, young children concluded that a healthy environment strongly depends on what's happening in the street. Depending on whether people are cycling or walking, on whether they are using public transport or driving, safety and air quality around schools can be good or bad. Many were enthusiastic about testing new routes and travel options, especially if this involved a game-style competition with peers.

Plovdiv

Air quality in Plovdiv often exceeds recommended limits, posing significant risks to vulnerable groups like children. Many schools are starting to use citizen science as a means to promote environmental awareness and protective behaviours among students. One of them is the secondary school Dimitar Talev. After joining COMPAIR, a mobile laboratory equipped with sensors was placed in the school's courtyard. More than 800 students visited the laboratory between April and June 2023.

A citizen science workshop and mobile laboratory in the Dimitar Talev school

Indoor workshops were held onsite to introduce young children to the way the mobile laboratory works and what it measures (atmospheric conditions, air pollution). In total, more than 180 children studying environmental science, physics and chemistry participated in classroom activities. There, they learned about air pollution causes and impacts, and how things like traffic and air pollution can be measured even in the absence of a mobile laboratory. To demonstrate how this can be done in practice, two DIY sensors were placed in the classroom, with students able to access measurement data via dashboard. The same approach was used in another school Knqz Alexander I.

Students from Knqz Alexander I playing with the COMPAIR dashboard

To conclude, working with schools on a citizen science project is a rewarding experience for all parties involved. However, success is not possible without a strong buy-in from teachers and administration staff. Citizen science practitioners depend on schools for access to premises and volunteers. Building a fruitful partnership requires careful planning and alignment with academic schedules. Furthermore, schools are busy places for both students and teachers. Apart from official vacations and regular workload, a lot of extracurricular activities are happening throughout the school year. To ensure people also have time for citizen science, everything from workshops to data collection must be planned well in advance. Last but not least, parental content is essential. The sooner you obtain it, the better. No activity can be performed with elementary-school students without the explicit consent of their parent or guardian.

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