In an effort to inspire the next generation of clean air champions, South Coast AQMD offers two free air quality education programs for K-12 students: the Clean Air Program for Elementary Students (CAPES) and Why Healthy Air Matters (WHAM).
With the South Coast Air Basin continuing to face some of the nation’s most challenging air quality issues, these programs help students understand how air pollution affects their health and environment while empowering them to be part of the solution.
Designed for different grade levels, CAPES serves elementary school students, while WHAM is available for middle and high school students. Both programs are aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and provide educators with engaging, ready-to-use curriculum materials.
CAPES introduces elementary school students to the basics of air pollution, air quality, and the simple actions they can take to help protect the environment. Through interactive videos, lesson plans, hands-on activities, worksheets, guest speakers, and special events, students learn how everyday choices contribute to cleaner, healthier air. The program is flexible, allowing educators to tailor lessons to their classrooms with support available upon request.
For middle and high school students, WHAM builds on those concepts with a deeper exploration of the science behind air quality and its impact on public health. Students investigate topics such as ozone, particulate matter, emissions, and air monitoring through hands-on experiments using science kits supplied by South Coast AQMD. Participating high schools can also borrow air quality sensors that allow students to collect and analyze real-world environmental data.
WHAM also helps students connect classroom learning with academic and career pathways in environmental science, engineering, public health, and clean technology. By encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving, the program empowers students to become informed leaders who can help improve air quality in their communities.
Together, CAPES and WHAM reflect South Coast AQMD’s commitment to protecting public health and improving air quality through education. By providing educators with high-quality instructional resources at no cost, both programs help cultivate environmental awareness and encourage students to make healthy, clean air choices.
For more information or to sign up:
• CAPES: Visit aqmd.gov/capes or contact Iliana Garcia at (909) 396-2420 or capesinfo@aqmd.gov
• WHAM: Visit aqmd.gov/wham or contact Monika Kim at (909) 396-2342 or mkim@aqmd.gov