Air quality and idling school project

Air pollution harms the health of millions of people worldwide every year, particularly the more vulnerable members of society, such as children, older people and those with existing conditions.

So we’re encouraging local schools to take action and join us in tackling air pollution caused by idling vehicles and to help others understand what causes air pollution and the effect it has on our health.

We have branded this project 'Engine off, prevent the cough'.

Developing your project

The key to having a successful no idling project at your school is to educate students and parents about the benefits of not idling and the small things they can do to make a big difference.

With some good information you can cut idling and reduce carbon emissions at your school, improve air quality and make your school area safer and healthier!

Learning outcomes

Developing and participating in this project provides a great opportunity for pupils to explore and understand the impact vehicle emissions have on our health. Participation also seeks to:

• develop skills in communication
• allow pupils to learn how actions can result in positive change
• inform on how we have an individual responsibility to make an active contribution

This project has been developed with P5s (Key Stage 2) in mind but any class or eco-school group can participate!

The work scheme for the project is split into 4 easy to follow lesson plans.  These are downloadable as Word documents on the links below.

Together they aim to develop cross curricular skills through: language and Literacy, mathematics and numeracy, the world around us, and personal development and mutual understanding.

Lesson plan 1: Understanding vehicle idling
Lesson plan 2: Take action
Lesson plan 3: Spread the word
Lesson plan 4: Measure the impact

Resources

The lesson plans are supported by a range of resources and promotional material designed to reinforce the message and ensure full class participation. They include:

• flyers*    
• design your own poster activity
• a word search    
• stickers*
• vehicle idling surveys    
• car stickers*
• posters*    
• pencils*
• pledge cards*    
• keyrings*
• email templates*    

* Supplied to participating schools

Get in touch

For more information or support please contact ehealth@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk  (our area) or env.health@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk  (Ards and North Down Borough Council area).

The project started in November 2021 and each school is encouraged to plan and run their own project. Please let us know when you are starting your project as additional marketing materials are available to use at any associated event.

Following the completing of the project you will be asked to fill out an evaluation form, and provide details of the number of pledges received and the results of the surveys.

Thank you again for participating.