Learning opportunities at home

While Washington’s kids await the reopening of their schools, they can continue to be students by studying at home.

During these days of social distancing, it’s natural to teach the science surrounding our situation. But a well-rounded education is better education, so keeping kids engaged with arts and humanities is also important.

For that, consider these topics for further study by students:

Art

Kids can draw, sculpt, or otherwise create artwork highlighting clean air, air pollution, and/or air-related topics. Feel free to snap a photo of the finished artwork and share it with ORCAA through Instagram (instagram.com/orcaa_outreach/), using the hashtags, #orcaa_outreach #orcaa_air #orcaacleanair

History

U.S. Clean Air Act

In 1948, a blanket of toxic haze enveloped the City of Donora, Pennsylvania. In just 5 days, nearly 40 residents died from respiratory stress. That sparked interest in curbing air pollution. Congress passed a series of bills to address the issue, and in 1970, the core of that series of laws coalesced into U.S. Clean Air Act, which led to the national air quality standards used today.

Olympic Region Clean Air Agency History

One of the old ‘wigwam’ burners used to incinerate wood waste from lumber mills, shingle mills, and other wood-products industries.

A half-century ago, a small local government agency emerged to protect air quality in the counties of the Olympic Peninsula. The passage of the Washington State Clean Air Act in 1967 set the stage for six counties — Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston — to join together to form the Olympic Air Pollution Control Authority (OAPCA), later renamed Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA).

Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell

In 1849, Dr. Blackwell became the first woman to earn a medical degree in the United States. She authored several books, including “Medicine as a Profession for Women” in 1860. She founded the New York Infirmary for Women and Children in 1857 and went on to become a teacher of medicine.

Dr. Edward Jenner

Dr. Jenner helped develop the smallpox vaccine, earning the title of “pioneer of immunization.” He was instrumental in indentify viruses vectors and the means to combat them.

News

Media Contact

Dan Nelson

Communications/Outreach Manager

360-539-7610