Inspired by FOCUS Faculty Mentor (and FOCUS Director) Deborah Gross’ research in the chemistry aerosols and air pollution, FOCUS 2017 investigated the impact air quality has on humans and the natural world.
Over the 2014-2015 academic year, FOCUS 2017 performed air quality measurements at the Northfield Middle school. By comparing air quality during school drop off and pick up times with average school day air quality, this Sophomore class was able to quantify the impact of idling cars on the air surrounding the middle school and extrapolate health impacts.
Volume 2 of the FOCUS Journal of Science was presented to the administration at the Northfield Middle School in spring of 2015.