Using Art to Explore Climate Change

by: Sarada Sangameswaran, Director of School Programs

As a lifelong ecologist, I am most comfortable in the world of science and nature. Give me a net and a pair of waders, and I can wax poetic on water and all its ecological importance. Sometimes, though, it is nice to try something new and engage a new side of one’s brain. 

When I was asked to lead a teacher workshop on using art in the exploration of climate change, I jumped at the chance! Here was a challenge - how to communicate the science I held so dear in a different medium. Sure, I had dabbled with the odd paintbrush and boxes of pastels, but this was an entirely different proposition.

Fortunately, we had a partner in the Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse, and funding through a Pennsylvania DEP grant, so we set to work in creating a program to explore science through the arts. The result was a fun-filled two days of creativity and hands-on learning. Teachers became familiar with the basics of climate change and environmental justice, but soon after, we began delving into upcycling and art. Teachers got to build a sustainable city out of upcycled materials, create a skit to explain climate change, and do mindfulness activities that they could use in their own classrooms to center young minds. We went outdoors to do some nature journaling, a perfect blend of art and science. There was plenty of cutting and gluing as everyone prepared their pieces of art.   

Teachers had a chance to transfer their experiences into action by creating a short lesson plan that explored art and climate change, which we shared out as a group. I was amazed at the camaraderie and constructive feedback I witnessed. As a culmination of the day, educators transformed a board game into a climate friendly learning opportunity that was both engaging and could easily translate into a classroom activity and assessment tool. Many of the activities could be used by informal educators to enrich their programming too. 

I can’t wait to facilitate this program once more in the Spring! The workshop is scheduled for May 4 and May 18, 2024, and registration is open. We would love to have you join us!