Launched in spring 2019, the Clean Air Ambassadors Program brings local college students to K–3 classrooms to teach students about the importance of air quality. The program is free for all elementary schools in Santa Barbara County and is modeled after the successful initiative developed by the San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo students.

Clean Air Ambassadors are trained to present an innovative, interactive curriculum aligned with California’s Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The lessons promote environmental literacy through hands-on experiments and discussions about air quality, sustainability, and actions students can take to protect the environment.

Our Kindergarten – 3rd Grade Lessons

Lesson 1: Resources and Our Environment

Using Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax, Ambassadors help students understand how air pollution affects people and the environment. Throughout the story, Ambassadors engage students with props, questions, and interactive activities to help them understand what causes air pollution and how they can help keep the air clean. Each student also receives a milkweed seed “mustache ball” to take home and plant—a fun and easy way to keep our air and environment healthy.

Lesson 2: Transportation and Our Choices

With the help of Buzz the Electric School Bus, Ambassadors introduce students to the connection between transportation choices, air quality, and human health. Through a mix of storytelling and hands-on learning, students explore how vehicles produce emissions and how cleaner options—like electric vehicles, biking, walking, carpooling, and installing filters—can reduce air pollution and protect our environment.

Lesson 3: Sensors and Our Health

Through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s short story Why is Coco Orange?, students discover how scientists use air sensors to measure pollution and monitor the air we breathe. Ambassadors guide students in interpreting the Air Quality Index (AQI), explaining what the different colors and numbers mean for outdoor activities and health. Together, they explore real-world examples of local air quality data and learn how to access this information online.

Get Involved!

Teachers:

Interested in having the Clean Air Ambassadors visit your classroom? Contact us at [email protected] or complete our Google Form to request a classroom visit!