Escape room
Air Pollution Mystery Island
Notebook
Notes about the air
Use with caution
Backpack
You and your team must solve the mystery. For each scenario, answer the questions. Record the following on your paper handout
- What the pollutant could be.
- What the causes of the pollutant are
- What the symptoms of the pollutant is for humans.
Introduction
Here we gooooooo
Steve is stranded on a mysterious island, and the only way to escape is by understanding the air around them. To help Steve get off the island, you’ll need to learn about different types of air pollution and how they affect the environment. Your mission: use your science skills to guide Steve to safety!
Fill in the table with the pollutant, the sources, and the human health effects
Backpack
Missions
Raft
Each location has a new mystery to solve to help Steve
Shrubbery
Mountains
Shelter tent
Forest
Backpack
Missions
Amal's Basement
Each location has a new mystery to solve to help Steve
Shanghai
Lake Tahoe
Prudence's House
Sky's Home
Backpack
mission
Conifer trees
Sally's Hike
Sally is visiting Lake Tahoe at 6,000 feet and loves being among the conifer trees. They smell amazing! It’s a bright sunny day, and cars wind around the scenic lake loop, filling the valleys with a faint blue haze. The air looks magical... until Sally’s lungs start to burn. She coughs and wheezes, and her chest tightens. The more she runs, the worse it gets. She leans against a tree, gasping for air, wishing she hadn’t gone jogging that afternoon. The valley feels heavy with haze, and Sally starts to wonder if mountain air is supposed to sting this much.
mysterious blue haze
Backpack
Solve the puzzle to figure out what was causing Sally's unexplained sympotoms of coughing and wheezing
mmm
Backpack
Which components of photochemical smog are likely present, based on this scenario?
A. Carbon dioxide from cars and pollen from trees causing the haze
Let's go!
B. Ozone from high altitude and water vapor from the lake causing the burning sensation
C. Nitrogen oxides from cars and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from trees and cars reacting with sunlight to form a visible haze.
D. Dust from the trail and smoke from campfires causing respiratory irritation.
Backpack
You get some food and cooking tools added to your backpack
Here you go!
Sally encountered PHOTOCHEMICAL SMOG & TROPOSPHERIC OZONE
GOOD!
CAUSES: Haze caused by VOCs NOx caused by cars driving by Sunshine Conifer Trees give off VOCsSYMPTOMS: Respiratory issues, like asthma attacks
You now know about photochemical smog and tropospheric ozone
🌲
Backpack
Missions
Raft
Each location has a new mystery to solve to help Steve
Shrubbery
Mountains
Shelter tent
Forest
Backpack
Missions
London
Each location has a new mystery to solve to help Steve
Shanghai
Lake Tahoe
Prudence's Home
Sky's Home
Backpack
mission
Sky's Home
Sky has been having trouble with her natural gas heater. It keeps running, but the house never feels warm. Late one night, Sky’s dog, Ford, starts whining and pawing at the door. Sky wakes up with a pounding headache and dizzy vision. Her chest feels tight, and she’s struggling to focus. Ford insists they go outside. As soon as Sky steps into the cold air, the headache begins to fade. Inside, the house is quiet, still, and strangely cold. If Ford hadn’t woken her, Sky might never have made it out. The next morning, she installs a detector and gives Ford a well-deserved steak.
Gas heater
Ford, the best dog ever
Backpack
Watch the video and answer the following questions
Backpack
Sky feels dizzy, has a headache, and her chest is tight from inhaling carbon monoxide (CO). Which statement correctly explains what CO does in her body?
B. CO binds to oxygen in the blood, removing it from the body and causing dizziness and headache
A. CO binds to hemoglobin in the blood, stopping it from carrying oxygen to organs and tissues, which causes her symptoms
Backpack
Backpack
You get some rope added to your backpack
Great!
Sky encountered CARBON MONOXIDE
CAUSES: Malfunctioning gas heater. Incomplete combustion of fuelsSYMPTOMS: Oxygen isn’t bonding to hemoglobin Headaches, Dizziness, Death
GREAT!
Thank goodness Ford was there to help
Backpack
Missions
Raft
Each location has a new mystery to solve to help Steve
Shrubbery
Mountains
Shelter tent
Forest
Backpack
Missions
Amals' Basement
Each location has a new mystery to solve to help Steve
Shanghai
Lake Tahoe
Prudence's Home
Sky's Home
Backpack
Mission
Shanghai - Dr. Bai
The Hospital
Every morning, Dr. Bai walks the short distance from his apartment to the hospital, but lately the air in Shanghai has turned gray and thick. The smell of smoke and metal lingers in the air, and the city skyline disappears behind the haze. His chest aches by the time he reaches work. Patients crowd the waiting room, many with coughing fits and shortness of breath. One of them, an eight-year-old girl, struggles to breathe even while sitting still. Dr. Bai rubs his eyes, irritated from the air, and wonders how much longer the city can keep running this way.
Backpack
A) Factories and power plants release particulate matter, sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), which can combine in the atmosphere to form smog.
Let's go!
B) Factories release carbon dioxide during combustion, which increases global temperatures and leads to climate change.
C) Industrial emissions reduce oxygen levels directly, causing immediate shortness of breath in nearby populations.
Which of the following best explains how industrial activity contributes to this type of air pollution?
D) Industrial machinery absorbs carbon dioxide, preventing smog formation.
Backpack
You're almost there!
A monitoring station in Shanghai records that nitrogen oxide (NOₓ) emissions from vehicles average 1,500 tons per day. Industrial facilities emit an additional 2,500 tons per day.
Backpack
You get an axe added to your backpack
Keep it up!
Dr. Bai encountered PARTICULATE MATTER, SOx & NOx
CAUSES: Haze (combination of NOx & SOx) Particulate Matter (PM2.5) SYMPTOMS: Dust getting into lungs causing lung cancer, bronchitis, or asthma Cardiovascular (heart) disease
GOOD!
I guess masks can help protect us from more than just COVID.
Backpack
Missions
Raft
Each location has a new mystery to solve to help Steve
Shrubbery
Mountains
Shelter tent
Forest
Backpack
Missions
Amal's Basement
Each location has a new mystery to solve to help Steve
Shanghai
Lake Tahoe
Prudence's Home
Sky's Home
Backpack
Mission
Prudence's Cooking
Keeps the house warm too
Prudence cooks most of her family’s food over an open fire in a small, poorly ventilated kitchen. Sometimes she uses dried cow manure, sticks, or banana leaves; occasionally she has charcoal. She often cooks indoors, especially during the rainy season, with her infants strapped to her back and young children nearby. Over time, she, her children, and especially her infants develop respiratory issues, headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Chronic exposure puts them at risk of serious illness or death.
Uses biomass to cook
Backpack
Backpack
This puzzle is a word search puzzle that has a hidden message in it.- First find all the words in the list.
- Words can go in any direction and share letters as well as cross over each other.
- Once you find all the words. Copy the unused letters starting in the top left corner into the blanks to reveal the hidden message
Smog Smoke Soot Sulfur
Fumes Haze Manure Ozone Particles
Carbon Charcoal Dust Fire Fuel
Backpack
According the the graph, which location most likely uses the second most indoor combustion?
A. China
B. Sub-Saharan Africa
C. India
Backpack
You get a flashlight added to your backpack
There you go!
Prudence encountered PARTICULATE MATTER, CO & CO2
CAUSES: Incomplete Combusion (CO) Particulate Matter (PM10) Combusion of biomass SYMPTOMS: Respiratory Issues -- causing lung cancer, bronchitis, or asthma
GOOD!
Impacts of indoor air pollution can be lessened by the addition of ventilation!
Backpack
Missions
Raft
Each location has a new mystery to solve to help Steve
Shrubs
Mountains
Shelter
Forest
Wait, look in your backpack
Check the items in your backpack and use the flashlight to find the code to access the final mission that will allow you to escape from the deserted island.
Keep searching
Keep searching
Keep searching
Code: 1234
Keep searching
Enter the code you have obtained to access the final mission
Enter the password
Backpack
Asbestos
Let's go!
What is the pollutant in Amal's home?
Backpack
Which of the following is the most likely reason for the trend shown in the graph of fluctuating indoor radon levels over the course of a year?
A. Home windows are often closed during summer months, causing the levels of radon in the house to build up.
B. Barometric pressure changes from summer storms can cause radon levels to increase.r
C. Radon levels tend to increase in the colder months because of the difference in temperature inside and outside the home, which creates a vacuum pulling radon into the home at a higher rate.
D. Increased levels of radon are linked to burning biomass indoors, which increases in winter months when more biomass is burned for cooking and heating.
Backpack
Based on what happened to Amal, how do you think the Radon was entering his home?
A. In Fittings
B. The Shower
C. Cracks in Foundation
D. In Well Water
Backpack
There you go!
Amal encountered RADON GAS
CAUSES: North Dakota (highest in Northern U.S.) Coming in through cracks in basement - need to seal cracks Increase ventilation SYMPTOMS: Lung cancer
Lets Go!
Ford is now realizing he has more too look out for, not just CO poisoning.....
NAILED IT!
You have explored the entire island, managed to build a raft, but now you can't remember where you left your backpack and you'll need it before you can leave. On the map, you can see the places where your backpack might be.
Forest
Mountains
Airplane
Shrubs
Shelter
Deserted Island Map
Drag the parts of the map to find where you left your backpack and be able to escape from the deserted island.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Wow, you got it!
Congratulations and Great job helping Steve navigate the island! By identifying and understanding different types of air pollution, you’ve given them the knowledge they need to stay safe and make smart choices. Steve can finally leave the island, thanks to your careful observation and scientific thinking!! You have shown great bravery and wit. You have successfully overcome each challenge and have managed to build the raft that will take you back to the civilized world. May your journey back be filled with new adventures and emotions!
Once again!
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Clue
🦴 + ⛽ + 🔥 = 🌁😷
Amal's Scenario
Amal moved to North Dakota and is shopping for a home. He finds a home with a big basement where he can hold foosball parties and store his collection of airline barf bags. (He is trying to beat the world record to 6,290 air sickness bags.) The house is cheap. The owner passed away from lung cancer. Amal's real estate agent suggests he test the house for a pollutant. Once Amal does, he finds that levels are high. If he buys the house, he must seal cracks in the basement and increase ventilation in the house. So much for foosball parties...
Clue
🌞 + 🚙 + 😶🌫️ + 🌲
Clue
What does Amal do to fix his problem?
Mission
Consectetur adipiscing elit
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod.
- Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet.
- Consectetur adipiscing elit.
- Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut.
Clue
Ask Ms RH for a paper version so you can highlight
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Sky's Scenario
Sky has been having trouble with her natural gas heater. It keeps running, but the house never feels warm. Late one night, Sky’s dog, Ford, starts whining and pawing at the door. Sky wakes up with a pounding headache and dizzy vision. Her chest feels tight, and she’s struggling to focus. Ford insists they go outside. As soon as Sky steps into the cold air, the headache begins to fade. Inside, the house is quiet, still, and strangely cold. If Ford hadn’t woken her, Sky might never have made it out. The next morning, she installs a detector and gives Ford a well-deserved steak.
Sky's Scenario
Sky has been having trouble with her natural gas heater. It keeps running, but the house never feels warm. Late one night, Sky’s dog, Ford, starts whining and pawing at the door. Sky wakes up with a pounding headache and dizzy vision. Her chest feels tight, and she’s struggling to focus. Ford insists they go outside. As soon as Sky steps into the cold air, the headache begins to fade. Inside, the house is quiet, still, and strangely cold. If Ford hadn’t woken her, Sky might never have made it out. The next morning, she installs a detector and gives Ford a well-deserved steak.
Sally's Scenario
Sally is visiting Lake Tahoe at 6,000 feet and loves being among the conifer trees. They smell amazing! It’s a bright sunny day, and cars wind around the scenic lake loop, filling the valleys with a faint blue haze. The air looks magical—until Sally’s lungs start to burn. She coughs and wheezes, and her chest tightens. The more she runs, the worse it gets. She leans against a tree, gasping for air, wishing she hadn’t gone jogging that afternoon. The valley feels heavy with haze, and Sally starts to wonder if mountain air is supposed to sting this much.
Prudence's Scenario
Prudence cooks most of her family’s food over an open fire in a small, poorly ventilated kitchen. Sometimes she uses dried cow manure, sticks, or banana leaves; occasionally she has charcoal. She often cooks indoors, especially during the rainy season, with her infants strapped to her back and young children nearby. Over time, she, her children, and especially her infants develop respiratory issues, headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Chronic exposure puts them at risk of serious illness or death.
Hint
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod.
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Clue
Solve the maze to give you the correct answer
Clue
How can you combine emissions from both sources, and then find 20% less for industry?
Still stuck?
Multiply the industry total by 0.20 to find the reduction amount.
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Sally's Scenario
Sally is visiting Lake Tahoe at 6,000 feet and loves being among the conifer trees. They smell amazing! It’s a bright sunny day, and cars wind around the scenic lake loop, filling the valleys with a faint blue haze. The air looks magical—until Sally’s lungs start to burn. She coughs and wheezes, and her chest tightens. The more she runs, the worse it gets. She leans against a tree, gasping for air, wishing she hadn’t gone jogging that afternoon. The valley feels heavy with haze, and Sally starts to wonder if mountain air is supposed to sting this much.
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Dr. Bai's Scenario
Every morning, Dr. Bai walks the short distance from his apartment to the hospital, but lately the air in Shanghai has turned gray and thick. The smell of smoke and metal lingers in the air, and the city skyline disappears behind the haze. His chest aches by the time he reaches work. Patients crowd the waiting room, many with coughing fits and shortness of breath. One of them, an eight-year-old girl, struggles to breathe even while sitting still. Dr. Bai rubs his eyes, irritated from the air, and wonders how much longer the city can keep running this way.
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Amal's Scenario
Amal moved to North Dakota and is shopping for a home. He finds a home with a big basement where he can hold foosball parties and store his collection of airline barf bags. (He is trying to beat the world record to 6,290 air sickness bags.) The house is cheap. The owner passed away from lung cancer. Amal's real estate agent suggests he test the house for a pollutant. Once Amal does, he finds that levels are high. If he buys the house, he must seal cracks in the basement and increase ventilation in the house. So much for foosball parties...
Dr. Bai's Scenario
Every morning, Dr. Bai walks the short distance from his apartment to the hospital, but lately the air in Shanghai has turned gray and thick. The smell of smoke and metal lingers in the air, and the city skyline disappears behind the haze. His chest aches by the time he reaches work. Patients crowd the waiting room, many with coughing fits and shortness of breath. One of them, an eight-year-old girl, struggles to breathe even while sitting still. Dr. Bai rubs his eyes, irritated from the air, and wonders how much longer the city can keep running this way.
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Amal's Scenario
Amal moved to North Dakota and is shopping for a home. He finds a home with a big basement where he can hold foosball parties and store his collection of airline barf bags. (He is trying to beat the world record to 6,290 air sickness bags.) The house is cheap. The owner passed away from lung cancer. Amal's real estate agent suggests he test the house for a pollutant. Once Amal does, he finds that levels are high. If he buys the house, he must seal cracks in the basement and increase ventilation in the house. So much for foosball parties...
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Clue
Really? . . . Read the graph please
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Prudence's Scenario
Prudence cooks most of her family’s food over an open fire in a small, poorly ventilated kitchen. Sometimes she uses dried cow manure, sticks, or banana leaves; occasionally she has charcoal. She often cooks indoors, especially during the rainy season, with her infants strapped to her back and young children nearby. Over time, she, her children, and especially her infants develop respiratory issues, headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Chronic exposure puts them at risk of serious illness or death.
Clue
Click Here
Clue
Prudence's Scenario
Prudence cooks most of her family’s food over an open fire in a small, poorly ventilated kitchen. Sometimes she uses dried cow manure, sticks, or banana leaves; occasionally she has charcoal. She often cooks indoors, especially during the rainy season, with her infants strapped to her back and young children nearby. Over time, she, her children, and especially her infants develop respiratory issues, headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Chronic exposure puts them at risk of serious illness or death.
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Air Pollution Mystery Island
Jovanna Robinson-Hid
Created on November 3, 2025
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Transcript
Escape room
Air Pollution Mystery Island
Notebook
Notes about the air
Use with caution
Backpack
You and your team must solve the mystery. For each scenario, answer the questions. Record the following on your paper handout
Introduction
Here we gooooooo
Steve is stranded on a mysterious island, and the only way to escape is by understanding the air around them. To help Steve get off the island, you’ll need to learn about different types of air pollution and how they affect the environment. Your mission: use your science skills to guide Steve to safety!
Fill in the table with the pollutant, the sources, and the human health effects
Backpack
Missions
Raft
Each location has a new mystery to solve to help Steve
Shrubbery
Mountains
Shelter tent
Forest
Backpack
Missions
Amal's Basement
Each location has a new mystery to solve to help Steve
Shanghai
Lake Tahoe
Prudence's House
Sky's Home
Backpack
mission
Conifer trees
Sally's Hike
Sally is visiting Lake Tahoe at 6,000 feet and loves being among the conifer trees. They smell amazing! It’s a bright sunny day, and cars wind around the scenic lake loop, filling the valleys with a faint blue haze. The air looks magical... until Sally’s lungs start to burn. She coughs and wheezes, and her chest tightens. The more she runs, the worse it gets. She leans against a tree, gasping for air, wishing she hadn’t gone jogging that afternoon. The valley feels heavy with haze, and Sally starts to wonder if mountain air is supposed to sting this much.
mysterious blue haze
Backpack
Solve the puzzle to figure out what was causing Sally's unexplained sympotoms of coughing and wheezing
mmm
Backpack
Which components of photochemical smog are likely present, based on this scenario?
A. Carbon dioxide from cars and pollen from trees causing the haze
Let's go!
B. Ozone from high altitude and water vapor from the lake causing the burning sensation
C. Nitrogen oxides from cars and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from trees and cars reacting with sunlight to form a visible haze.
D. Dust from the trail and smoke from campfires causing respiratory irritation.
Backpack
You get some food and cooking tools added to your backpack
Here you go!
Sally encountered PHOTOCHEMICAL SMOG & TROPOSPHERIC OZONE
GOOD!
CAUSES: Haze caused by VOCs NOx caused by cars driving by Sunshine Conifer Trees give off VOCsSYMPTOMS: Respiratory issues, like asthma attacks
You now know about photochemical smog and tropospheric ozone
🌲
Backpack
Missions
Raft
Each location has a new mystery to solve to help Steve
Shrubbery
Mountains
Shelter tent
Forest
Backpack
Missions
London
Each location has a new mystery to solve to help Steve
Shanghai
Lake Tahoe
Prudence's Home
Sky's Home
Backpack
mission
Sky's Home
Sky has been having trouble with her natural gas heater. It keeps running, but the house never feels warm. Late one night, Sky’s dog, Ford, starts whining and pawing at the door. Sky wakes up with a pounding headache and dizzy vision. Her chest feels tight, and she’s struggling to focus. Ford insists they go outside. As soon as Sky steps into the cold air, the headache begins to fade. Inside, the house is quiet, still, and strangely cold. If Ford hadn’t woken her, Sky might never have made it out. The next morning, she installs a detector and gives Ford a well-deserved steak.
Gas heater
Ford, the best dog ever
Backpack
Watch the video and answer the following questions
Backpack
Sky feels dizzy, has a headache, and her chest is tight from inhaling carbon monoxide (CO). Which statement correctly explains what CO does in her body?
B. CO binds to oxygen in the blood, removing it from the body and causing dizziness and headache
A. CO binds to hemoglobin in the blood, stopping it from carrying oxygen to organs and tissues, which causes her symptoms
Backpack
Backpack
You get some rope added to your backpack
Great!
Sky encountered CARBON MONOXIDE
CAUSES: Malfunctioning gas heater. Incomplete combustion of fuelsSYMPTOMS: Oxygen isn’t bonding to hemoglobin Headaches, Dizziness, Death
GREAT!
Thank goodness Ford was there to help
Backpack
Missions
Raft
Each location has a new mystery to solve to help Steve
Shrubbery
Mountains
Shelter tent
Forest
Backpack
Missions
Amals' Basement
Each location has a new mystery to solve to help Steve
Shanghai
Lake Tahoe
Prudence's Home
Sky's Home
Backpack
Mission
Shanghai - Dr. Bai
The Hospital
Every morning, Dr. Bai walks the short distance from his apartment to the hospital, but lately the air in Shanghai has turned gray and thick. The smell of smoke and metal lingers in the air, and the city skyline disappears behind the haze. His chest aches by the time he reaches work. Patients crowd the waiting room, many with coughing fits and shortness of breath. One of them, an eight-year-old girl, struggles to breathe even while sitting still. Dr. Bai rubs his eyes, irritated from the air, and wonders how much longer the city can keep running this way.
Backpack
A) Factories and power plants release particulate matter, sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), which can combine in the atmosphere to form smog.
Let's go!
B) Factories release carbon dioxide during combustion, which increases global temperatures and leads to climate change.
C) Industrial emissions reduce oxygen levels directly, causing immediate shortness of breath in nearby populations.
Which of the following best explains how industrial activity contributes to this type of air pollution?
D) Industrial machinery absorbs carbon dioxide, preventing smog formation.
Backpack
You're almost there!
A monitoring station in Shanghai records that nitrogen oxide (NOₓ) emissions from vehicles average 1,500 tons per day. Industrial facilities emit an additional 2,500 tons per day.
Backpack
You get an axe added to your backpack
Keep it up!
Dr. Bai encountered PARTICULATE MATTER, SOx & NOx
CAUSES: Haze (combination of NOx & SOx) Particulate Matter (PM2.5) SYMPTOMS: Dust getting into lungs causing lung cancer, bronchitis, or asthma Cardiovascular (heart) disease
GOOD!
I guess masks can help protect us from more than just COVID.
Backpack
Missions
Raft
Each location has a new mystery to solve to help Steve
Shrubbery
Mountains
Shelter tent
Forest
Backpack
Missions
Amal's Basement
Each location has a new mystery to solve to help Steve
Shanghai
Lake Tahoe
Prudence's Home
Sky's Home
Backpack
Mission
Prudence's Cooking
Keeps the house warm too
Prudence cooks most of her family’s food over an open fire in a small, poorly ventilated kitchen. Sometimes she uses dried cow manure, sticks, or banana leaves; occasionally she has charcoal. She often cooks indoors, especially during the rainy season, with her infants strapped to her back and young children nearby. Over time, she, her children, and especially her infants develop respiratory issues, headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Chronic exposure puts them at risk of serious illness or death.
Uses biomass to cook
Backpack
Backpack
This puzzle is a word search puzzle that has a hidden message in it.- First find all the words in the list.
- Words can go in any direction and share letters as well as cross over each other.
- Once you find all the words. Copy the unused letters starting in the top left corner into the blanks to reveal the hidden message
Smog Smoke Soot Sulfur
Fumes Haze Manure Ozone Particles
Carbon Charcoal Dust Fire Fuel
Backpack
According the the graph, which location most likely uses the second most indoor combustion?
A. China
B. Sub-Saharan Africa
C. India
Backpack
You get a flashlight added to your backpack
There you go!
Prudence encountered PARTICULATE MATTER, CO & CO2
CAUSES: Incomplete Combusion (CO) Particulate Matter (PM10) Combusion of biomass SYMPTOMS: Respiratory Issues -- causing lung cancer, bronchitis, or asthma
GOOD!
Impacts of indoor air pollution can be lessened by the addition of ventilation!
Backpack
Missions
Raft
Each location has a new mystery to solve to help Steve
Shrubs
Mountains
Shelter
Forest
Wait, look in your backpack
Check the items in your backpack and use the flashlight to find the code to access the final mission that will allow you to escape from the deserted island.
Keep searching
Keep searching
Keep searching
Code: 1234
Keep searching
Enter the code you have obtained to access the final mission
Enter the password
Backpack
Asbestos
Let's go!
What is the pollutant in Amal's home?
Backpack
Which of the following is the most likely reason for the trend shown in the graph of fluctuating indoor radon levels over the course of a year?
A. Home windows are often closed during summer months, causing the levels of radon in the house to build up.
B. Barometric pressure changes from summer storms can cause radon levels to increase.r
C. Radon levels tend to increase in the colder months because of the difference in temperature inside and outside the home, which creates a vacuum pulling radon into the home at a higher rate.
D. Increased levels of radon are linked to burning biomass indoors, which increases in winter months when more biomass is burned for cooking and heating.
Backpack
Based on what happened to Amal, how do you think the Radon was entering his home?
A. In Fittings
B. The Shower
C. Cracks in Foundation
D. In Well Water
Backpack
There you go!
Amal encountered RADON GAS
CAUSES: North Dakota (highest in Northern U.S.) Coming in through cracks in basement - need to seal cracks Increase ventilation SYMPTOMS: Lung cancer
Lets Go!
Ford is now realizing he has more too look out for, not just CO poisoning.....
NAILED IT!
You have explored the entire island, managed to build a raft, but now you can't remember where you left your backpack and you'll need it before you can leave. On the map, you can see the places where your backpack might be.
Forest
Mountains
Airplane
Shrubs
Shelter
Deserted Island Map
Drag the parts of the map to find where you left your backpack and be able to escape from the deserted island.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Wow, you got it!
Congratulations and Great job helping Steve navigate the island! By identifying and understanding different types of air pollution, you’ve given them the knowledge they need to stay safe and make smart choices. Steve can finally leave the island, thanks to your careful observation and scientific thinking!! You have shown great bravery and wit. You have successfully overcome each challenge and have managed to build the raft that will take you back to the civilized world. May your journey back be filled with new adventures and emotions!
Once again!
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Clue
🦴 + ⛽ + 🔥 = 🌁😷
Amal's Scenario
Amal moved to North Dakota and is shopping for a home. He finds a home with a big basement where he can hold foosball parties and store his collection of airline barf bags. (He is trying to beat the world record to 6,290 air sickness bags.) The house is cheap. The owner passed away from lung cancer. Amal's real estate agent suggests he test the house for a pollutant. Once Amal does, he finds that levels are high. If he buys the house, he must seal cracks in the basement and increase ventilation in the house. So much for foosball parties...
Clue
🌞 + 🚙 + 😶🌫️ + 🌲
Clue
What does Amal do to fix his problem?
Mission
Consectetur adipiscing elit
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod.
Clue
Ask Ms RH for a paper version so you can highlight
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Sky's Scenario
Sky has been having trouble with her natural gas heater. It keeps running, but the house never feels warm. Late one night, Sky’s dog, Ford, starts whining and pawing at the door. Sky wakes up with a pounding headache and dizzy vision. Her chest feels tight, and she’s struggling to focus. Ford insists they go outside. As soon as Sky steps into the cold air, the headache begins to fade. Inside, the house is quiet, still, and strangely cold. If Ford hadn’t woken her, Sky might never have made it out. The next morning, she installs a detector and gives Ford a well-deserved steak.
Sky's Scenario
Sky has been having trouble with her natural gas heater. It keeps running, but the house never feels warm. Late one night, Sky’s dog, Ford, starts whining and pawing at the door. Sky wakes up with a pounding headache and dizzy vision. Her chest feels tight, and she’s struggling to focus. Ford insists they go outside. As soon as Sky steps into the cold air, the headache begins to fade. Inside, the house is quiet, still, and strangely cold. If Ford hadn’t woken her, Sky might never have made it out. The next morning, she installs a detector and gives Ford a well-deserved steak.
Sally's Scenario
Sally is visiting Lake Tahoe at 6,000 feet and loves being among the conifer trees. They smell amazing! It’s a bright sunny day, and cars wind around the scenic lake loop, filling the valleys with a faint blue haze. The air looks magical—until Sally’s lungs start to burn. She coughs and wheezes, and her chest tightens. The more she runs, the worse it gets. She leans against a tree, gasping for air, wishing she hadn’t gone jogging that afternoon. The valley feels heavy with haze, and Sally starts to wonder if mountain air is supposed to sting this much.
Prudence's Scenario
Prudence cooks most of her family’s food over an open fire in a small, poorly ventilated kitchen. Sometimes she uses dried cow manure, sticks, or banana leaves; occasionally she has charcoal. She often cooks indoors, especially during the rainy season, with her infants strapped to her back and young children nearby. Over time, she, her children, and especially her infants develop respiratory issues, headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Chronic exposure puts them at risk of serious illness or death.
Hint
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod.
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Clue
Solve the maze to give you the correct answer
Clue
How can you combine emissions from both sources, and then find 20% less for industry?
Still stuck?
Multiply the industry total by 0.20 to find the reduction amount.
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Sally's Scenario
Sally is visiting Lake Tahoe at 6,000 feet and loves being among the conifer trees. They smell amazing! It’s a bright sunny day, and cars wind around the scenic lake loop, filling the valleys with a faint blue haze. The air looks magical—until Sally’s lungs start to burn. She coughs and wheezes, and her chest tightens. The more she runs, the worse it gets. She leans against a tree, gasping for air, wishing she hadn’t gone jogging that afternoon. The valley feels heavy with haze, and Sally starts to wonder if mountain air is supposed to sting this much.
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Dr. Bai's Scenario
Every morning, Dr. Bai walks the short distance from his apartment to the hospital, but lately the air in Shanghai has turned gray and thick. The smell of smoke and metal lingers in the air, and the city skyline disappears behind the haze. His chest aches by the time he reaches work. Patients crowd the waiting room, many with coughing fits and shortness of breath. One of them, an eight-year-old girl, struggles to breathe even while sitting still. Dr. Bai rubs his eyes, irritated from the air, and wonders how much longer the city can keep running this way.
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Amal's Scenario
Amal moved to North Dakota and is shopping for a home. He finds a home with a big basement where he can hold foosball parties and store his collection of airline barf bags. (He is trying to beat the world record to 6,290 air sickness bags.) The house is cheap. The owner passed away from lung cancer. Amal's real estate agent suggests he test the house for a pollutant. Once Amal does, he finds that levels are high. If he buys the house, he must seal cracks in the basement and increase ventilation in the house. So much for foosball parties...
Dr. Bai's Scenario
Every morning, Dr. Bai walks the short distance from his apartment to the hospital, but lately the air in Shanghai has turned gray and thick. The smell of smoke and metal lingers in the air, and the city skyline disappears behind the haze. His chest aches by the time he reaches work. Patients crowd the waiting room, many with coughing fits and shortness of breath. One of them, an eight-year-old girl, struggles to breathe even while sitting still. Dr. Bai rubs his eyes, irritated from the air, and wonders how much longer the city can keep running this way.
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Amal's Scenario
Amal moved to North Dakota and is shopping for a home. He finds a home with a big basement where he can hold foosball parties and store his collection of airline barf bags. (He is trying to beat the world record to 6,290 air sickness bags.) The house is cheap. The owner passed away from lung cancer. Amal's real estate agent suggests he test the house for a pollutant. Once Amal does, he finds that levels are high. If he buys the house, he must seal cracks in the basement and increase ventilation in the house. So much for foosball parties...
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Clue
Really? . . . Read the graph please
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Prudence's Scenario
Prudence cooks most of her family’s food over an open fire in a small, poorly ventilated kitchen. Sometimes she uses dried cow manure, sticks, or banana leaves; occasionally she has charcoal. She often cooks indoors, especially during the rainy season, with her infants strapped to her back and young children nearby. Over time, she, her children, and especially her infants develop respiratory issues, headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Chronic exposure puts them at risk of serious illness or death.
Clue
Click Here
Clue
Prudence's Scenario
Prudence cooks most of her family’s food over an open fire in a small, poorly ventilated kitchen. Sometimes she uses dried cow manure, sticks, or banana leaves; occasionally she has charcoal. She often cooks indoors, especially during the rainy season, with her infants strapped to her back and young children nearby. Over time, she, her children, and especially her infants develop respiratory issues, headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Chronic exposure puts them at risk of serious illness or death.
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges