Project example: Portsmouth Schools – AirQuest – Inspiring the Next Generation of Students Through Air Quality Data
Customer:
Portsmouth Public Schools (Virginia, USA), in collaboration with the City of Portsmouth, the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC)
Sector:
Public
Project duration:
1+ years
Project type:
Local air quality data collection
Challenge:
Create a hands-on educational experience that would connect classroom learning with real-world environmental challenges
Solution:
Deploy environmental sensors at public schools and provide data and insights to students and teachers
“We talk about the importance of providing students with hands-on, authentic learning opportunities, and this is exactly what AirQuest has accomplished this summer,” said Dr. Elie Bracy, III, PPS division superintendent. “In these past weeks, our students engaged directly with real-world challenges, and, empowered by their own curiosity, their learning was transformed into meaningful, solution-driven action.” – Dr. Elie Bracy, III, PPS division superintendent
PROJECT CONTEXT & GOALS
How can environmental data be used to inspire students to engage with science, technology, ecology, and their local community?
Portsmouth Public Schools sought to create a hands-on educational experience that would connect classroom learning with real-world environmental challenges. Rather than teaching STEM concepts through theory alone, the goal was to provide students with access to real environmental data from their own neighborhoods and empower them to investigate questions related to air quality, weather, public health, and urban sustainability.
At the same time, the City of Portsmouth and project partners aimed to strengthen environmental awareness and data literacy among young people while demonstrating how smart city technologies can support both education and community engagement.
PROJECT RESULTS
As part of the Air Quest programme, Breeze Technologies deployed air quality sensors at Manor High School and I.C. Norcom High School. The sensors continuously measured local environmental conditions and provided students with access to real-time air quality data from their own community.
Over two summer learning sessions, rising ninth-grade students explored environmental datasets, analyzed air quality patterns, and investigated how factors such as traffic, weather, and urban development influence local air pollution. The programme combined sensor technology, environmental monitoring, and data analytics with direct engagement from professionals in fields including environmental science, meteorology, urban planning, emergency management, and public health.
By working with real-world data rather than hypothetical examples, students gained practical experience in scientific inquiry, data analysis, and evidence-based decision-making.
Bringing Data Science to Life
Students worked directly with live environmental measurements, learning how to interpret data, identify patterns, formulate hypotheses, and communicate findings. The project transformed data science from an abstract concept into a practical tool for understanding real-world challenges.
Connecting STEM Education with Environmental Stewardship
Air Quest demonstrated how environmental monitoring can serve as a gateway to interdisciplinary learning. Students explored topics spanning environmental science, ecology, mathematics, public health, and technology while developing a deeper understanding of local environmental conditions.
Empowering Future Community Leaders
At the conclusion of the programme, students presented their own recommendations and potential solutions for local air quality challenges to community stakeholders and project partners. This gave participants first-hand experience in applying scientific evidence to civic decision-making.
Creating a Blueprint for Smart City Education
The success of Air Quest demonstrated how smart city infrastructure can create new educational opportunities. By combining air quality monitoring with project-based learning, Portsmouth Public Schools established a model that can be expanded into future science and mathematics curricula.
PUBLICATIONS
PPS students to present possible solutions for regional air quality concerns (Press Release, Portsmouth Public Schools, 28.01.2025)