Pedagogical Guide: Create a Climate Infographic with Open Data

Pedagogical Guide

Climate Infographics Based on Open Data

Introductory Question

«When you hear on the news that ‘this was the hottest month on record,’ do you ever wonder where exactly that information comes from? Do you think that data is secret or that any of us could find it and verify that claim for our own city?»

Explanatory Summary

This activity immerses students in the role of science communicators. The challenge is to research, analyze and visualize real, open climate data to create an infographic that explains a concrete impact of climate change in their own community or region.

Learning Objectives:

Locate and download relevant data from open and reliable sources.
Analyze a data set to identify local trends and patterns.
Synthesize complex information into a clear and concise message.
Design an effective infographic using design principles.
Appropriately cite data sources to promote transparency.

Skills to be Developed

Activity designed to cultivate higher order (Bloom's Taxonomy Revised) and cross-cutting skills.

Cognitive Skills

Analyze and Interpret
Evaluate Credibility
Create and Synthesize

Transversal Skills

Data literacy
Critical thinking
Visual communication

Materials

Basic Option

Posters, colored markers, rulers, and internet access for research.

Recycled Option

Cardboard boxes, old magazines, bottle caps, and colored wool.

Digital Option

Computers/tablets with access to tools such as Canva, Genially, or Google Sheets.

Detailed Step-by-Step Guide

Phase 1: Introduction and Activation (45 min)

Objective: Understand the challenge and locate reliable data sources.

The teacher introduces the project and moderates a brainstorming session on local climate impacts. Students, in teams, explore open data portals to find information relevant to their community.

Phase 2: Development and Design (90 min)

Objective: Analyze data, extract a key message and create an infographic sketch.

Teams define the main story they want to tell, select the most impactful data, choose the right types of graphics and draw the structure of their infographic in a sketch.

Phase 3: Closing and Reflection (60 min)

Objective: Produce the final version and share findings.

Students create the final product. An «Infographics Gallery» is held for classmates to observe and comment on the work, followed by a group reflection led by the teacher.

Evaluation Questions

Comprehension: Explain what «open data» is and why it is useful for understanding climate change.
Analysis: How does a global data relate to the local impact you showed in your infographic?
Application: Describe a situation outside of school where you could use this skill to make an informed decision.
Evaluation: How effective do you think your infographic is in persuading someone your age? What would you improve?
Creation: If you were to add an interactive element to your infographic, what would you link and why?

Conclusion of the Activity

The main goal is not only to create a visual product, but to empower students. They have learned that climate information is available, quantifiable and has direct consequences on their environment. They have developed the ability to transform raw data into a purposeful narrative, a fundamental skill for citizen engagement in the 21st century.

Detailed Evaluation Rubric

Criteria	Exemplary (4)	Competent (3)	In Development (2)	Beginner (1)
Data Use and Analysis	In-depth analysis with highly relevant data from reliable sources.	Correct analysis with relevant data from reliable sources.	Superficial analysis, sources not always clear.	Irrelevant or incorrect data, without analysis.
Clarity of Message	Clear purpose. Local impact communicated in a powerful way.	Clear purpose. Easy to understand local impact.	Purpose somewhat unclear. Impact does not stand out.	Confusing or non-existent central message.
Design and Composition	Exceptional design, attractive, organized and original.	Effective, clean and organized design. Appropriate graphics.	Problems of organization or clarity in the design.	Disorganized design that makes comprehension difficult.
Responsibility and Rigor	Sources cited in full. Objective information.	Sources cited. Accurate information.	Incomplete sources. Some minor inaccuracies.	No sources cited. Misleading information.