Little Scientists investigate air quality

Little Scientists Australia, a not-for-profit STEAM teaching program for early childhood educators and teachers is partnering with Dyson to provide education on air science with hands-on practical demonstrations.

Aligned to the Early Years Learning Framework, Little Scientists offers inquiry-based STEM workshops for early childhood educators, encouraging daily scientific exploration with children aged 3 to 6 years.

Collaborating with Dyson Engineers, special edition Air workshops will be held nationally and focus on the importance and practical relevance that real-life technology can play in air science and air quality, encouraging educators to investigate what’s in the air with the children in their service.

Little Scientists Project Director Sibylle Seidler said, “Our Air workshop explores everything from hot and cold air to wind and air pressure, as well as the effects air has on water. We’re excited to enhance our workshop with the expertise and technology Dyson Engineers bring to it. By helping educators understand air science and air quality, we’re empowering them to help children really see, engage with and explore what’s in the air.”

Dyson’s newest air purifier has been engineered to sense airborne particles and gases, display this information on its LCD screen, then capture the pollutants and project clean air.

Senior Design Engineer, Dyson Environmental Control Tom Mogridge said: “Children can take up to 30,000 breaths a day. Their lungs are still developing, which makes them vulnerable to air pollution. City air can contain potentially harmful pollutants produced from everyday activities – including particles and gases such as VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), which can be found in air fresheners, deodorants and cleaning products; PM10 from pollen, dust, mould spores and pet dander.”