Waianae Elementary’s Wildfire PSA Project: Empowering Students as Climate Advocates

Project Summary

Following the devastating Lahaina wildfire, 25 students at Waianae Elementary in Hawaii created and shared a Public Service Announcement to educate their community about wildfire prevention and climate action, while developing research, collaboration, and multimedia skills that empowered them as environmental advocates.

Detailed Story

When the Lahaina wildfire devastated parts of Maui in 2024, students at Waianae Elementary on Oahu felt compelled to respond through a project that would both educate themselves and their community. Teacher Donna Soriano guided her 25 students through The Climate Initiative’s Wildfires Learning Lab, using the tragedy as a springboard for climate education and community action. Located in the dry, western region of Oahu, Waianae Elementary students were particularly motivated to address a climate threat relevant to their local environment. The project focused on creating a Public Service Announcement (PSA) about wildfire prevention and climate action to share with their community. Students began with extensive research on the Lahaina wildfire, investigating its causes, environmental impacts, and community consequences. Through classroom discussions, they explored the connection between climate change and increasing wildfire frequency and intensity. The students worked collaboratively, documenting their findings on large posters that highlighted key questions: “Who causes wildfires and what causes it?”, “What is in a wildfire that causes people to die?”, and “How much percent of people survive a wildfire?” Their research revealed the relationship between climate factors and wildfire risk, something particularly relevant to their dry, coastal community. Working in small groups, students brainstormed and drafted PSA content that would effectively communicate prevention strategies and climate action steps. They used technology including drone photography to document their work, combining compelling visuals with informative content. The final PSA was distributed through social media, the school website, and local community centers, reaching a broad audience throughout the Waianae community. The project had a profound impact on participating students, who expressed a new sense of empowerment and responsibility. As one student shared, “I never thought our voices could make such a difference. It feels amazing to share our message with the community!” Another reflected, “Working on the PSA taught me how important it is to take action against climate change; I want to continue advocating for our planet.” Through this action project, students not only learned about the science of wildfires and climate change but also developed valuable collaboration, research, and communication skills. The community response was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing gratitude for the students’ efforts to raise awareness about wildfire prevention in a region vulnerable to such threats.

Impact Statement

The project enhanced climate literacy among 25 students while reaching hundreds of community members through the PSA distribution. Students developed skills in research, collaboration, multimedia creation, and public communication, while also gaining confidence in their ability to address environmental challenges. Community members became more informed about wildfire prevention strategies, especially important in Waianae’s dry climate. The project demonstrated how climate education can empower even elementary-age students to become effective environmental advocates, fostering a sense of agency and responsibility that extends beyond the classroom.