Extreme Weather: The Story of Urban Watersheds
(1) Climate change is expected to bring more severe rainfall events to Pittsburgh.
(2) Participants experiment with green infrastructure options to ease the pressure on
city sewer systems.
Hidden Cost Café
(1) Carbon dioxide released from food production contributes to climate change.
(2) Participants create their own meal and experiment with the carbon footprint of
their food choices.
Tiny Slimy Carbon Keepers
(1) Even in urban ecosystems, organisms participate in the carbon cycle. Big disruptions in
the carbon cycle contribute to climate change.
(2) Participants become salamanders and learn the importance of ecosystems in
maintaining natural balances in the carbon cycle.
Everybody Walk the Climate Graph
(1) Climate change is expected to bring hotter summers to Pittsburgh.
(2) Participants walk a century of climate temperature data to gain an understanding of
long-term global climate patterns.
The Great Climate Race
(1) Climate change is expected to bring hotter summers and more severe rainfall events
to Pittsburgh.
(2) Participants become snails and make choices that help them prepare for the
challenges of climate change in their urban environment.
It Takes Energy to Get to the Game
(1) Carbon dioxide released from transportation and food production contributes to
climate change.
(2) Participants run the bases while discovering the climate impact of their game-day
choices.
Energy Matters!
(1) Carbon dioxide released from energy production contributes to climate change.
(2) Participants generate power to light a city building and experience the difference in
energy (and cost) required by LED and incandescent bulbs.
Feel The Power
(1) Carbon dioxide released from energy production contributes to climate change.
(2) Participants experience the power and possibilities of wind and solar energy in the
city.
Energy Choices in Your Neighborhood?
(1) Carbon dioxide released from energy production contributes to climate change.
(2) Participants see how their neighborhood’s energy choices stack up to others across
Pittsburgh. (Survey questions can be on any topic – this is an adaptable kit)
Can You Beat the Heat and Slow the Flow?
(1) Climate change is expected to bring hotter summers and more severe rainfall events
to Pittsburgh.
(2) Participants pour water over and compare temperatures of different roofing
materials to test urban climate adaptation infrastructure.
Climate Adaptation in Empty Places
(1) Climate change is expected to bring hotter summers and more severe rainfall events
to Pittsburgh.
(2) Participants act as landscape architects to redesign a vacant lot while considering
different solution strategies.
Complete Streets
(1) Carbon dioxide released from transportation contributes to climate change.
(2) Participants design a city street and consider the balance between alternative
transportation, traffic, and carbon footprint.
Urban Heat Islands
(1) Climate change is expected to bring hotter summers to Pittsburgh.
(2) Participants examine images of Pittsburgh neighborhoods, explore causes of high
and low surface temperatures, and discuss solutions to keep Pittsburgh cool.
To learn more about availability and how to borrow an activity, please contact Pat McShea:
[email protected]; 412-622-3292