WHAM Program brings hands on experiments and lessons to high schools and middle schools
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) continues its second year of the Why Healthy Air Matters (WHAM) education program by providing virtual videos and lesson plans where teachers can introduce the importance of clean air to their students even through remote distance learning. WHAM is available to middle and high school schools throughout most of Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside counties.
“Educating the next generation ensures that efforts to tackle air pollution remain a priority for years to come,” said Dr. William A. Burke, Chairman of the South Coast AQMD Governing Board. “By providing easily accessible lesson plans and hands on activities through the WHAM program, youth can learn about air quality issues of today, while helping to build strong leaders of tomorrow.”
WHAM utilizes a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)-based educational curriculum that teaches students about air quality issues and empowers youth to drive positive change. The curriculum aligns with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and was developed by air quality scientists and educators. More than 250 middle and high schools across Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties have already signed up for the program.
The program includes virtual lesson plans with fillable PDF worksheets and lecture videos. Students also have the opportunity to test air quality within their community and participate in other hands-on science experiments and activities.
Teachers can also request a South Coast AQMD guest speaker to teach a virtual lesson, providing students the opportunity to ask questions about air quality and career paths in science and environmental fields.
WHAM is offered for both the academic school year and summer school programs. South Coast AQMD has funding to support implementation of the program in 300 high school classrooms and 100 middle school classrooms. For more information on how your school can participate in the WHAM program, or if you are an educator who would like to participate, please visit www.aqmd.gov/wham or view our promotional video.
South Coast AQMD is the air pollution control agency for major portions of Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside counties, including the Coachella Valley. For news, air quality alerts, event updates and more, please visit us at www.aqmd.gov, download our award-winning app, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
