Dunes Learning Center
700 Howe Rd
Air Matters: Connecting Community, Classrooms, & Clean Air
Led by Chris Iceman, Ph.D., Valparaiso University
When: February 4, 2026 8:30 a.m. -2:30 p.m.
Where: Dunes Learning Center, 700 Howe Road, Chesterton, IN 46304, located within Indiana Dunes National Park.
Who: Open to all 6-12th grade formal and non-formal educators.
Cost: $35 - Scholarships are available to ensure cost is not a barrier to participation. Contact: ecrofton@duneslearningcenter.org with your inquiry.
Registration Deadline: January 30, 2026
Participants will gain a foundational understanding of air quality science, including what air quality is, how it's measured using the Air Quality Index (AQI), and why monitoring air quality matters for public health and environmental stewardship.
Through hands-on exploration, educators will learn about PurpleAir sensors—low-cost, real-time air quality monitors that are transforming citizen science. We'll examine how these sensors work, explore the existing network of monitors in our region and beyond, and discover practical ways to use publicly available data in educational settings.
By the end of this session, participants will be ready to bring air quality monitoring into their curriculum, empowering students to become environmental scientists who investigate and understand the air they breathe every day.
About Chris Iceman, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry at Valpo University
For the past ten years, Chris has been engaged in environmental justice work in Northwest Indiana, providing scientific analysis for community-led initiatives focused on soil, water, and especially air. As part of this effort, he has helped install and maintain a network of approximately 30 PurpleAir sensors across Lake, Porter, and La Porte counties, ensuring continuous data collection and accessibility. Beyond deployment, he has worked extensively with his students on data analysis and archiving, supporting residents as they navigate air permit hearings with agencies such as IDEM and the EPA. This work bridges community concerns with scientific rigor, empowering local advocacy with clear, actionable environmental data.
Wed, Feb 4, 2026 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Dunes Learning Center
700 Howe Rd
Dunes Learning Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your donation may be tax-deductible. Thank you for your support!
The education partner of Indiana Dunes National Park, Dunes Learning Center delivers place-based environmental education programs to inspire lasting curiosity and stewardship with nature. Please visit our website: https://duneslearningcenter.org/
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