Climate Change Infographics for Outdoor Classroom

Project Summary

Two senior Environmental Science students at Piscataquis Community High School created climate change infographics for installation in the school’s outdoor classroom to educate elementary students about local climate impacts.

Detailed Story

This educational project from Piscataquis Community High School in Maine features student-created climate change infographics designed for an outdoor classroom space. Two senior Environmental Science students developed a series of educational visuals explaining different aspects of climate change, with a particular focus on local impacts in Maine. The infographics cover a range of topics including the definition of climate change, the difference between weather and climate, local effects in Maine (such as warming winters, thinner ice affecting fishing seasons, reduced snowfall shortening snowmobile seasons, and increased rainfall leading to flooding), the greenhouse effect, actions individuals can take to help, and a timeline of climate change milestones. The materials were specifically designed to be mounted on the exterior of a building in the school’s outdoor classroom area, creating a permanent educational installation that will be used by elementary students in grades 3-6 when they visit the space. The project aims to make climate science accessible and relevant to younger students by highlighting how climate change is affecting Maine’s economy and way of life, connecting global concepts to local realities. While installation was pending at the time of reporting due to seasonal constraints, the materials were ready for mounting in spring 2025 when weather conditions would allow.

Impact Statement

The project will create a permanent educational installation that makes climate science accessible to elementary students in grades 3-6, highlighting local climate impacts relevant to Maine’s economy and way of life. By installing the infographics in an outdoor classroom space, the high school students are creating an ongoing educational resource that will reach multiple classes of younger students over time.