The Science Behind Air Quality and Learning

Research demonstrates that indoor air quality directly impacts academic performance. A Harvard study found that cognitive function scores doubled when CO2 levels decreased from 1,400 ppm to 550 ppm. Another study in California schools showed that improving ventilation rates from 5 to 20 cfm per student increased math and reading scores by 2-3%.

Students spend over 1,000 hours annually in classrooms where CO2 levels routinely exceed 2,500 ppm - well above the 1,000 ppm threshold for optimal cognitive function. High particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure is linked to reduced academic performance, with a 10 μg/m³ increase associated with a 1.9% decrease in test scores. Additionally, volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) from cleaning products and materials can cause headaches and difficulty concentrating.

AirGradient monitoring systems provide the data schools need to identify and address these invisible barriers to learning. Our open-source approach ensures transparency and allows schools to integrate air quality monitoring into their educational programs, creating a generation of environmentally aware citizens equipped to tackle tomorrow’s climate challenges.

“AirGradient began as a response to help a school manage air quality during Thailand wildfires. Today, we’re proud to support thousands of schools worldwide in creating healthier learning environments while inspiring the next generation of environmental scientists.”

Achim Haug, Founder & CEO AirGradient

Enriching STEM Education Through Real-World Application

Build, Learn, and Take Ownership


Our monitor kits are specifically designed for educational settings. Students aged 11-18 can assemble professional-grade monitors without soldering, learning about sensor technology, data collection, and environmental science. This hands-on approach fosters ownership and engagement - when students build the monitors themselves, they become invested in understanding and improving their environment.

Curriculum Integration Made Simple


AirGradient monitors seamlessly integrate into existing STEM curricula. Use real-time data for physics lessons on gas diffusion, chemistry discussions on pollutant reactions, mathematics exercises in data analysis, and environmental science projects. Our open-source platform allows advanced students to modify code, create custom dashboards, and develop their own research projects.

Expert Support from Scientists and Advocates


The AirGradient team, including research scientists and community advocates, provides free support for school projects. We offer online presentations, technical assistance, and guidance on interpreting data. Our community forum connects schools worldwide, enabling knowledge sharing and collaborative research projects.

Supporting Healthy Building Certifications

AirGradient monitors help schools achieve and maintain prestigious building certifications that demonstrate commitment to student health and environmental stewardship.

WELL Building Standard and RESET Air Certified

Our monitors meet the requirements for WELL Building Standard’s Air concept and are certified for RESET Air continuous monitoring. These certifications help schools qualify for green building initiatives, grant funding, and demonstrate measurable improvements in learning environments. The continuous data logging provides the documentation needed for certification audits and ongoing compliance.

Complete Data Ownership and Transparency

Unlike proprietary systems, AirGradient’s open-source approach gives schools complete control over their data. Export to any format, integrate with existing building management systems, or use our purpose-built dashboard. No vendor lock-in means your investment remains valuable regardless of future technology decisions.

From Crisis Response to Proactive Management

Born from the urgent need to protect students during wildfire events, AirGradient has evolved into a comprehensive environmental monitoring solution. Our monitors alert staff to ventilation issues, identify pollution sources, and provide the data needed to justify infrastructure improvements. Schools report energy savings of 10-20% through optimized ventilation based on actual occupancy and air quality needs.

Join thousands of schools creating healthier learning environments. Contact our education team for volume pricing and implementation support.

Professional-Grade Sensors for Accurate Monitoring

AirGradient monitors use the same industrial sensors trusted by research institutions and building consultants worldwide.

Particulate Matter (PM)

Measures PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 using Plantower sensors. Essential for monitoring outdoor pollution infiltration, detecting issues with HVAC filters, and identifying indoor sources like 3D printers or science lab activities.

CO2 (Carbon Dioxide)

SenseAir S8 NDIR sensor provides ±40ppm accuracy. Critical for assessing ventilation adequacy - CO2 above 1,000 ppm indicates insufficient fresh air, leading to drowsiness, headaches, and 15% reduction in cognitive performance.

TVOCs and NOX

Sensirion SGP sensor detects volatile organic compounds from paints, adhesives, and cleaning products, plus nitrogen oxides from combustion sources. Helps identify sources of ‘sick building syndrome’ symptoms.

Temperature and Humidity

Precision monitoring ensures thermal comfort and prevents mold growth. Studies show test scores decline when temperatures exceed 74°F (23°C), while humidity above 60% promotes allergen proliferation.

“The AirGradient monitors have transformed how we approach both environmental health and STEM education. Students are engaged, teachers have valuable data, and we’re seeing measurable improvements in our learning environments.”

Crispian Waterman, Science Department Head

Creating Tomorrow’s Environmental Leaders

Empower students with the tools and knowledge to understand and improve their environment

Real-World Research Projects

Students investigate questions that matter: Does opening windows during high pollen days help or hurt? How do CO2 levels change during exams? What’s the air quality impact of the chemistry lab? These investigations develop critical thinking while addressing practical school challenges.

Cross-Curricular Learning

Air quality monitoring spans multiple disciplines. Use sensor data in statistics classes, explore chemical reactions in science, calculate ventilation rates in physics, and discuss environmental justice in social studies. One tool, endless learning opportunities.

Student-Driven Discovery

When students assemble their own monitors, they take ownership of the data. They propose hypotheses, design experiments, and present findings to administrators. This agency transforms passive learners into active environmental advocates and future scientists.

Community Impact

School air quality projects often expand beyond campus. Students present to school boards, securing funding for ventilation improvements. They share data with parents, raising awareness about indoor air quality at home. Some even influence municipal air quality policies.

Ready to Begin? Contact Our Education Team for Implementation Support

Proven at Scale: 2,000 Monitors in UK Schools

AirGradient was selected for the world’s largest school air quality study - the SAMHE Project. Our monitors are gathering data from 2,000 UK classrooms, building an unprecedented dataset that will shape national policies on school ventilation and health. This massive deployment demonstrates the reliability, accuracy, and scalability of our monitoring solutions. Schools participating in SAMHE report improved awareness of air quality issues and concrete actions taken to improve ventilation based on monitor data.

Choose the Right Solution for Your School (add outdoor)

Professional-grade monitors available as engaging DIY kits or fully assembled units. Both options include full access to our educational resources and expert support.

AirGradient ONE Kit

AirGradient ONE

(Educational Kit)

Perfect for STEM programs. Students build their own professional monitor, learning about sensors, electronics, and environmental science. No soldering required - assembly takes 30-60 minutes per monitor.

  • Industrial-grade sensors for CO2, PM, TVOCs, NOx, Temperature and Humidity
  • Educational assembly experience (no soldering)
  • Display and LED bar for immediate feedback
  • 12 months dashboard access included
  • Open-source for advanced projects
  • Volume discounts available for schools

USD 138.00

Build Instructions
AirGradient ONE Assembled

AirGradient ONE

(Fully Assembled)

Ready for immediate deployment. Ideal for administrative offices, libraries, or when time constraints prevent kit assembly. Includes calibration certificate and extended warranty.

  • Same professional sensors as kit version
  • Pre-calibrated and tested
  • Plug-and-play deployment
  • 12 months dashboard access included
  • Suitable for building certification programs
  • CE, FCC, RoHS, REACH certified
  • 12 months warranty
  • Priority technical support

USD 230.00

Your are being redirected to AirGradient Dashboard...