Clearing the Haze – Understanding Regional Air Pollution

Introduction

Imagine waking up to an orange-tinged morning sky, a strong smell of smoke in the air, and a public warning advising everyone to stay indoors with closed windows. In many parts of the world, recurring haze episodes caused by agricultural burning, forest fires, and industrial emissions blanket cities in hazardous smog.

As a special task force appointed by the regional environmental council, your team’s mission is to investigate the root causes of the recent haze, assess its health and economic impacts, and propose realistic solutions.

Task

Group yourself into four, your task force will research the haze crisis and compile a Haze Action & Prevention Policy Report alongside a short presentation.

Each member of your team will take on one specialized role:

  1. The Environmental Scientist: Focuses on the causes, weather patterns and particulate matter.
  2. The Public Health Specialist: Investigates the respiratory and cardiovascular risks and creates safety advisories.
  3. The Economic & Social Analyst: Examines how the haze impacts tourism, local businesses, school closures, and agriculture.
  4. The Policy & Diplomatic Lead: Researches international agreements, cross-border regulations, and enforcement challenges.

Process

Step 1: Role Selection & Orientation:

Select your role within your team. Review the primary research questions assigned to your role to ensure clear focus.

Step 2: Individual Research:

Use the provided web resources to gather data, statistics, and real-world examples for your role's focus area.

Step 3: Team Collaboration & Synthesis:

Meet with your team to share your findings. Connect cause-and-effect relationships 

Step 4: Final Deliverable Creation:

Draft a 2–3 page Policy Brief or a 10-slide Presentation Deck proposing 3 actionable solutions.

Evaluation

 

Criteria

Developing (10-20pts)

Proficient (30-40pts)

Exemplary (50pts)
Research Quality Relies on minimal facts; answers are missing key details. Uses accurate data and reliable sources to address role questions. Demonstrates deep understanding with real-world statistics and evidence.
Collaboration Roles worked in isolation; presentation lacks cohesion. Team members integrated findings smoothly into one final product. Seamless synthesis connecting science, health, economy, and policy.
Proposed Solutions Solutions are vague or unrealistic. Solutions are practical and address at least one root cause. Innovative, balanced solutions addressing immediate relief and long-term prevention.

 

 

Conclusion

Through this WebQuest, you have explored how environmental science, human health, economics, and international policy intersect during an environmental crisis. By learning how haze forms and spreads, you are better equipped to advocate for clean air and sustainable policy in your community.

Credits

Educational Resources & Data Sources

Teacher Page

Target Audience

  • Grade Levels: Grades 7–10 (Middle School / Junior High School)
  • Subjects: Environmental Science, Earth Science, Social Studies, Health, and Physical Education
  • Suggested Duration: 3–4 Class Periods (approx. 45–60 minutes per session) or 1 week as a group project.