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William R. Martin Middle School

Alabama

Grant amount:

$1,500

William R. Martin Middle School is requesting $1,500 to implement the AirGuard STEM: Student Energy and Air Quality Monitoring Project, a hands-on environmental science initiative for approximately 45 eighth-grade students. 


Through this project, students will use air quality sensors connected to the PurpleAir monitoring network along with watt meters, light meters, infrared thermometers, and a FLIR infrared camera to collect real-time data on particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), energy consumption, solar radiation, and surface temperature around the school campus and surrounding community. 


Students will investigate how factors such as bus traffic, solar heating, building energy use, and weather conditions influence local air quality in the Alabama Black Belt region. 


Students will analyze their findings by creating graphs, data tables, and scientific explanations based on the environmental data they collect. The results will be uploaded to the PurpleAir citizen science network, allowing students to compare their local findings with regional and national air quality trends. As a culminating activity, students will produce scientific research reports that include photographs, collected data, graphs, and analysis of their results. 


This project will strengthen students’ understanding of environmental science, energy use, and climate-related challenges while developing skills in scientific inquiry, data analysis, and engineering design.

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About YLACES:

Youth Learning as Citizen Environmental Scientists assists and rewards the implementation of inquiry-based, experiential science education where students do science and contribute to the understanding of our environment through recognition and financial reward programs.

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Grants range from equipment and supplies for taking environmental measurements to recognition and support for students presenting their research projects and working for pervasive inclusion of student research projects in science teaching. 

Notice of Non-Discrimination:

YLACES does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, marital status, source of income, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or retaliation in the administration of its programs or activities, as is required by applicable laws, regulations, and executive orders. It is the policy of YLACES to support organizations, projects, and programs that do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability or any other legally protected characteristics. YLACES does not knowingly award grants to organizations that discriminate in their hiring, those they accept as volunteers, or the clients they serve. YLACES seeks to accommodate all who need support to the maximum extent possible.

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YLACES is responsible for coordination of compliance efforts and receipt of inquiries concerning the non-discrimination requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; and other applicable federal non-discrimination laws, including, but not limited to, Section 13 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 and 40 C.F.R. Part 7.

 

If you have any questions about this notice or any of YLACES’ nondiscrimination programs, policies, or procedures, you may contact:

Dixon Butler

President, Youth Learning as Citizen Environmental Scientists

1920 Quincy Street, NW

Washington, DC 20011

(202) 302-0302

dixon@ylaces.org

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