Exploring Why Clean Air Living Matters with Reading Schools
Cultivating Awareness and Taking Action with CALM Exploring Reading – Air Quality Schools Programme
Last year, Design Nature joined forces with Reading Borough Council to design and then deliver a local Air Quality School initiative – the CALM Exploring Reading Air Quality programme.
With funding from the Department of Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra), this collaborative effort between Reading Borough Council, Stantec, the University of Reading, and Design Nature aims to empower schools across Reading to understand, monitor, and improve air quality. As the school resource design and delivery partner, we were also excited to bring in and work with FeelGood Creative, a brilliant local branding and website design agency.
The CALM programme seeks to foster curiosity and promote taking action around air quality, nurturing a healthier environment for all within our community. Initially, we partnered with Geoffrey Field Junior School and Reading School to roll out the first assemblies and interactive workshops. Their invaluable feedback is helping to shape the further development of resources and offerings, ensuring they meet the needs of the wider Reading School community.
Get in touch if you are a Reading school and would like to find out more or are interested in being involved in mapping, measuring and monitoring our local air quality, to make a difference!
CALM Exploring Reading Resources and Activities
Here’s a glimpse of what the CALM Air Quality programme has to offer:
Interactive Sessions: Led by air quality experts ranging from designers to scientists, these engaging assemblies and presentations spark dynamic discussions, enhancing students’ understanding of air quality issues.
Tailored Lesson Plans: From bite-sized activities to comprehensive lesson plans, educators have access to resources that can integrate into the curriculum, making learning about air quality a breeze.
Monitoring Devices and Dashboards: With practical tools like air quality monitoring devices and mapping dashboards, students can collect real-time data, fostering hands-on learning experiences and skill development.
Community Engagement: By connecting with broader community activities and initiatives, the programme encourages collaboration and empowers students to advocate for positive change on local issues.
The multifaceted approach aims to not only enrich educational experiences but also instil a sense of responsibility towards social and environmental stewardship. Through equipping students with knowledge, skills, and a platform to voice their concerns, CALM nurtures future leaders committed to exploring and taking action for each other and the environment.
Want to be part of the CALM Exploring Reading Programme?
We’re just getting started and are excited to welcome more schools onboard. With the programme running until March 2025, there’s plenty of time to get involved and keep an eye out for activities during the upcoming Reading Climate Festival and Clean Air Day in June.
Whether you’re a school eager to participate or curious to learn more, we invite you to join us. Find out more on the Reading Borough Council’s CALM Air Quality page and leave your details, or you can find the details there as well of their Principal Air Quality Project Officer. We’re also always happy to answer questions!
We hope for the CALM – Exploring Reading Air Quality programme to creatively and with fun, exemplify the intersection of education, community engagement, and environmental advocacy. By investing in the well-being of current and future generations, initiatives like CALM may help to pave the way towards a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for all.
