Student Explorations: The Great Marsh and Climate Change

Student Explorations: The Great Marsh and Climate Change is the result of a remarkable confluence between a science teacher and an art teacher at the public River Valley Charter School in Newburyport, MA, SQ&LB Artist Collaboration from Cape Ann, and scientists from the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge and PIE-LTER, with support and sponsorship from Greenbelt. The Project Team wished to illustrate the science of climate change on the marsh ecosystem with student-created art. RVCS was the perfect match. The school’s curriculum embraces observation, research, and creation.

In Fall 2022 Rebecca Schwer, RVCS science teacher, led a group of 7th and 8th graders in a study of Salt Marsh tides, hydrology, carbon sequestration and the impact of climate change on the marsh critters. RVCS art teacher Lucinda Cathcart worked closely with Rebecca and the students, translating the science of climate change and the Great Marsh into four 3’ x 6’ student-created panels, using recycled materials. QR codes on the panels link student artist and science statements.

This video tells the story of the inspiration, process, and outcomes of the project.  As a pilot project, the goal is to inspire other schools/ art and science teachers, to create art/science projects on the Great Marsh – and possibly beyond!