GASPer Air Monitor
Background
In 1996, GASP received a grant from the Howard Heinz Foundation to purchase an educational monitoring system available for school and community use. The program started and continues in New Hampshire. The Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM) developed the guidebook that GASP uses. There are now several similar programs in several other states.
Tell Me About the GASPer Air Monitor Program
The GASPer Air Monitor Program gives middle and high school students and teachers the opportunity to learn about the components of a natural resource that surrounds all of us, the air. The monitor, aka “GASPer,” monitors for the following air components:
- Ozone
- Particulates
- Carbon monoxide
- Carbon dioxide
- Sulfur dioxide
- Ultraviolet radiation
- Extremely low frequency radiation
- Ionizing radiation
- Barometric pressure
- Wind speed and direction
- Temperature
The physical sensors capture, display and store accurate scientific data. The data logger, to which all the sensors are connected, can collect data as often as every second. Pre-configured and pre-calibrated, the collection of data is as simple as turning on the data logger and pushing a button to begin collecting data. Data can then be downloaded and displayed on a laptop computer (also provided by GASP), that connects to the GASPer. The GASPer is suitcase-sized, portable, easily set up by students and can run on its own battery.
The software, which is included, enables users to generate reports and graphs based on the data collected. Maximum, minimum, and average values are calculated, as well as the standard deviation over the sampling period and the number of samples which exceeded a pre-set value, such as an EPA limit. Participants are provided with associated guidebooks and background information too.
How Can I Become Involved?
The GASPer is primarily available for middle and high school students, but anyone that is interested should contact GASP. Typically teachers and their students can borrow the GASPer Air Monitor equipment, software, and texts for a two-week period of time. Training will be provided by trained GASP staff, and technical assistance is always available. Delivery and pick-up are also provided. All participating schools are invited to send a team of students and their teacher to present their most interesting experiment at the annual GASPer Air Congress (check out past Air Congresses below).
Contact For More Information
For more information or to schedule use of the GASPer Air Monitor, contact Lee Szymkiewicz or call 412-325-7382.
Cost?
GASP asks for a $30 donation from each participating school, to help cover the cost of transporting and maintaining equipment.
Past Air Congresses
Air Congress 2002
Air Congress 2000
Air Congress 1998
Air Congress 1997
In the News
GASP and the GASPer Air Monitor were featured on Greenworks for Pennsylvania, a multimedia resource for communities at work to improve our environment.
May 2002: The GASPer Air Congress was highlighted in a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article: Quaker Valley teen wins top honors: Students keep tabs on quality of the air