Students and staff from Portsmouth Public Schools (PPS) will join representatives from the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC), Breeze Technologies, and the City of Portsmouth on Thursday, July 17, to celebrate the culmination of the AirQuest initiative. This program has provided an immersive learning experience for rising ninth-grade PPS students focused on air quality, weather, and public health.
The AirQuest initiative was launched this summer with air quality sensors donated and installed by VIPC and Breeze Technologies at Manor and I.C. Norcom high schools. These sensors allowed students to access real-time environmental data. Over two sessions hosted at Manor High School, students analyzed data from these sensors and others throughout the commonwealth. They also engaged with professionals in urban planning, meteorology, emergency management, public health, and environmental science to discuss challenges and potential solutions.
On July 17, students will present their solutions to address urban air quality challenges. Dr. Elie Bracy III, PPS division superintendent stated: “We talk about the importance of providing students with hands-on, authentic learning opportunities, and this is exactly what AirQuest has accomplished this summer.”
Plans are underway to expand AirQuest into the PPS high school curriculum based on insights gathered from teachers, coordinators, and students. The content will be integrated into Algebra I and Environmental Science courses during the school year.
David Ihrie, VIPC chief technology officer said: “It’s a rare and powerful opportunity to build technology infrastructure from the ground up while engaging the next generation in solving real-world challenges.” Robert Heinecke, Breeze Technologies’ founder & CEO added: “Air quality is essential for both individual health and environmental quality.”
The presentation event is scheduled for Thursday, July 17 at 10 a.m., at Manor High School’s Little Theater in Portsmouth.
