Students investigate air quality patterns around their school and neighborhood by using algebra to analyze local data, make evidence-based claims, and connect math to a real community issue. Working with South Bronx Unite, they study rates, ratios, variables, and patterns to understand what the data shows and to consider realistic ways air quality could improve. Over four weeks, the work builds toward a team presentation and South Bronx Solutions Night, where students share a data claim, algebraic evidence, and one proposed solution with the school community. Weekly reflection circles help students track both their mathematical thinking and how they collaborate, persist, and respond to challenges during the project.

Students analyze local air quality data sets, represent patterns with tables, graphs, ratios, rates, percents, and simple algebraic expressions, and use those representations to make and defend a data claim about conditions near their school. They create and test step-by-step algorithms with digital tools to compare possible solutions, such as changes to traffic flow, idling, or green buffers, and evaluate which option is most feasible and effective. Students collaborate with South Bronx Unite to prepare a final team presentation that includes algebraic evidence and one proposed solution, then share their work at South Bronx Solutions Night. Through weekly reflection circles, students strengthen quantitative reasoning, communication, and self-awareness by naming one math insight and one challenge or success from their teamwork and community partnership.

Students create a shared air quality investigation portfolio that includes neighborhood observation notes, tables and graphs of local data, simple algebraic models, and a step-by-step algorithm for analyzing patterns and comparing possible solutions. Throughout the project, teams produce weekly reflection circle notes that capture one math insight about air quality data and one social-emotional challenge or success from their work with South Bronx Unite. The culminating product is a team presentation for South Bronx Unite that makes a clear data claim, supports it with algebraic evidence, and proposes one realistic solution for improving air quality near the school. Students also prepare exhibition materials for South Bronx Solutions Night, such as posters, slides, and visual data displays that highlight patterns, recommendations, and next steps for the school community.

Start with a neighborhood air walk around the school with South Bronx Unite, where students observe traffic patterns, idling zones, truck routes, and possible pollution sources while recording counts, rates, and quick notes. Back in class, teams examine a small set of local air quality data and create a first algebraic claim about what patterns they notice, then post one question they want to investigate over the next four weeks. Close with a short whole-group discussion of the essential question and how their work will lead to a final presentation and South Bronx Solutions Night. End the week with the first reflection circle, where students share one math insight from the launch data and one collaboration challenge or success.

Host a South Bronx Solutions Night where teams present to South Bronx Unite, families, and the school community in a gallery walk plus short formal presentations. Each team shares a clear data claim about local air quality, the algebraic model or calculations that support it, and one realistic solution with steps for implementation near the school. Include visual displays such as graphs, maps of Mott Haven hotspots, and digital slides so visitors can compare patterns and ask questions. End with a feedback wall or response cards where community members note the most convincing evidence, strongest solution idea, and possible next steps for student-community action.