Lecture Notes on Concentration and Air Quality in Classroom

Introduction

• Difficulty in concentrating in class can be mistakenly attributed to disinterest or lack of sleep.
• An important factor affecting concentration is the quality of air, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2) levels.

The Science of Respiration

Importance of Energy

• Energy is essential for biological processes:
  • Movement
  • Temperature regulation
  • Chemical reactions

Types of Respiration

• Aerobic Respiration

  • Requires oxygen
  • Glucose reacts with oxygen to produce CO2 and water.
  • Exothermic reaction - releases a lot of energy.
  • Word equation: Glucose + Oxygen -> Carbon Dioxide + Water
  • Symbol equation (balanced): C6H12O6 + 6 O2 -> 6 CO2 + 6 H2O

• Anaerobic Respiration

  • Occurs without oxygen
  • Converts glucose to lactic acid in animals; ethanol and CO2 in yeast (fermentation)
  • Releases less energy than aerobic respiration
  • Used during intense exercise when oxygen is scarce

Impact of CO2 Levels on Concentration

• Everyone in a classroom is constantly respiring, releasing CO2.
• Insufficient ventilation leads to increased CO2 levels.
• High CO2 levels negatively impact cognitive function and brain energy supply.
  • Affects blood acidity and oxygen transport

Historical Finding

• Christian Burr (1904): Increase in CO2 impairs brain function.

Critical CO2 Threshold

• 1,000 parts per million (ppm) is the threshold.
• Above this, brain function starts being restricted.

Solutions to Improve Air Quality

Importance of Ventilation

• Air in classrooms needs to change five times per hour to maintain CO2 below 1,000 ppm.
• Standard practice does not meet this requirement.

Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery

• Regular air changes without creating drafts.
• Example: SAV Systems’ Airmaster
  • Extracts stale air
  • Introduces fresh air
  • Maintains low CO2 levels
  • Supports brain function and concentration

Conclusion

• Monitoring CO2 levels can significantly improve concentration and cognitive function.
• Implementation of air quality systems is vital for maintaining optimal learning environments.
• Encouragement to start measuring CO2 in classrooms and observe its impact.