Indoor Air Quality Experiment

By American School of Creative Science

Posted on November 19th, 2024.

Objective:
To investigate the impact of air-purifying plants on classroom air quality and provide evidence-based insights into improving the learning environment for elementary students.

Overview:
This experiment will involve 20 classrooms across grades KG to 5, divided into two groups:

• Control Group: 10 classrooms without any plants.
• Experimental Group: 10 classrooms with air-purifying plants.

The air-purifying plants used in the experiment will include:

1. Peace Lily
2. Snake Plant
3. Spider Plant
4. Lady Palm

These plants were chosen based on their proven ability to remove toxins and improve indoor air quality.

Process:

1. Preparation:
   • Each experimental classroom will receive a combination of the four plants, placed strategically around the room for optimal air circulation.
   • Control classrooms will be kept free of plants to maintain consistency.
   • Air quality monitors will be installed in all 20 classrooms to measure parameters such as carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels, particulate matter (PM), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
2. Data Collection:
   • Air quality readings will be recorded once a week on Thursdays for a period of two months.
   • Data collection will be managed by middle school students as part of a cross-grade collaboration, supervised by their science teacher.
   • Middle school students will use the air quality monitors to collect and log data during the same hour each week to ensure consistency.
3. Data Recording:
   • A standardized log sheet will be provided to the middle school students to record:
     • Date and time of reading
     • Air quality parameters (CO₂, PM, VOC levels)
     • Observations or anomalies (e.g., if windows were open, special events in the room)

Classroom Selection:

• All 20 classrooms will belong to elementary grades (KG to 5) to ensure younger students, who may benefit most from improved air quality, are directly impacted by the experiment.
• Classrooms will be selected to ensure similar conditions (e.g., size, ventilation, and number of occupants) across both groups.

Expected Outcomes:

1. The experiment will provide measurable data to compare air quality in plant-filled versus plant-free classrooms.
2. It aims to identify whether air-purifying plants can significantly reduce harmful particles and improve the learning environment for elementary students.
3. Findings will inform decisions about incorporating greenery into classroom designs across the school.

Benefits:

• For Elementary Students: Improved air quality may lead to better focus, fewer allergies, and a healthier classroom environment.
• For Middle School Students: Hands-on experience in scientific data collection and environmental research.
• For the School Community: Evidence-based recommendations to create more sustainable and student-friendly learning spaces.

At the end of the experiment, results will be analyzed, and findings will be presented in a school assembly to raise awareness of the importance of indoor air quality.