Abstract

ABSTRACT

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) monitoring has become an effective tool for assessing indoor air quality and promoting evidence-based environmental education. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a pedagogical strategy based on participatory CO₂ monitoring on environmental awareness and research competencies among students from educational institutions in Sucre, Colombia.

A quasi-experimental study was conducted involving 126 students from three educational institutions. Continuous measurements of CO₂, temperature and relative humidity were obtained using low-cost sensors integrated into Micro:bit platforms. Environmental knowledge tests and perception surveys were applied before and after the intervention.

Significant differences were found among evaluated environments (ANOVA, p<0.001), with average CO₂ concentrations of 1,148±172 ppm in classrooms, 793±116 ppm in corridors and 612±85 ppm in green areas. Research competencies significantly improved after the intervention (Cohen's d=2.8). Furthermore, 92.1% of students reported increased awareness of the relationship between environmental quality and health.

Participatory CO₂ monitoring represents an innovative educational strategy capable of promoting environmental awareness and strengthening scientific competencies among school students.

Keywords: Carbon dioxide, air quality, environmental education, citizen science, STEM education.