Boston Latin School Highlights Air Pollution for Green Apple Day of Service

By Grey Lee

Last year, four students and a teacher attended the Beijing International Science Competition simply for observing purposes. This year we would like to submit a science project and attend once again. Our goal is to create a biodegradable mask that will support better health for Chinese citizens. We want to create awareness concerning natural gas power plants and their contribution to air pollution.

Boston Latin School's Green Apple Day of Service kicked off by bringing air pollution awareness to our school community. 40 students and teachers from all grade levels participated by decorating biodegradable cotton bandanas that will be worn during school to promote the growing degradation of air quality in China. While they were decorating the bandanas, we told them about our project creating biodegradable air pollution masks with seeds in them. They were very impressed.

The cotton material was originally in a large sheet, which was cut into 15 squares. We had a variety of scissors for people to use, with curves and zigzag shapes on the blade. Everybody came in right after school to Mr. Smiths room. They sat down or stood around the edge of the classroom as we explained what we were all about. Once they started decorating the bandanas, we went around and decorated with them. The decorated bandanas turned out very nicely, with designs ranging from drawings of smiley faces to drawings of nature and green apples. The turnout was solid and people were enthusiastic, which we were very pleased with!

Overall, it was a great experience being able to teach these people about climate change awareness, specifically air pollution, that they may not have known much about otherwise. It was fun being able to meet new people. At the end of the day, we can all say that given the opportunity, we would definitely do something like this again next year!