NOVA Science Studio 2023 Student Videos
Introducing the 2023 NOVA Science Studio student producers who reported on local climate change impacts and solutions
For the past six months, high school students in collaboration with two PBS stations—WHRO in Norfolk, Virginia, and WKAR in East Lansing, Michigan have been investigating local impacts of climate change and proposed solutions in their communities as part of the NOVA Science Studio program.
Supported by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting as part of NOVA’s Climate Across America initiative, NOVA Science Studio’s goal this year was to empower and train high school students to tell stories about local climate change impacts and solutions for adapting to or mitigating those impacts. The two partnering PBS stations worked with public high schools in their communities. WKAR partnered with Davison High School, Ovid-Elsie High School, and J.W. Sexton High School and WHRO partnered with Granby High School and The Governor’s School for the Arts.
NOVA Science Studio gave students exposure to a wide range of video production skills as well as best practices for science journalism. Students investigated local issues with connections to climate change ranging from coastal sea level rise to invasive species to the impact of climate anxiety on youth.
When it comes to the NOVA reporting process, Kalob H., a high school junior in Davison, Michigan says: “We learned to not change people’s opinion, just present the evidence. We want to show them the facts and not tell people what to believe."
The final 18 videos have been published on the WKAR and WHRO Youtube channels and have been embedded below.
DAVISON HIGH SCHOOL / WKAR
Asian Carp Invasive Species
Student Producers:
Natalie Whitman, Sam Watts, Rex Poff, Chris Thorpe, Cooper Austin
Description:
Climate change is warming waters and causing Asian carp to leave their natural habitat, in search of an environment that will better suit their needs. How can we stop the Asian carp from getting into the Great Lakes and prevent them from harming the ecosystem?
Food Waste
Student Producers:
Montana Armes, Brooklynn Wilson, Trent Uptegraff, Kalob Hersh
Description:
Food waste is a perpetual problem, with global consequences. How can we reduce food waste to mitigate climate change?
Paper Waste
Student Producers:
Landon Dean, Brooke Laine
Description:
How can we recycle, reuse, and reduce paper waste to combat climate change?
The Great Lakes and Drought
Student Producers:
Maddox Bissett, Jack Blascyk
Description:
Can the Great Lakes surrounding Michigan be used as drought relief in the southwest and other areas in the United States?
Michigan Cherries
Student Producers:
Hunter Jamett-Yount, Dresden Christensen, Helena Inga, Lee Williams
Description:
Michigan is the top producer of cherries in the United States, but businesses and farmers are feeling the effects of climate change.
Packaging Waste
Student Producers:
Kalob Hersh, Makayla Herrick, Camy Aboneaaj, Kai Murphy
Description:
Convenience at what cost? How online shopping has led to an excess in packaging waste in the United States, and what is being done to combat its effects on climate change.
OVID-ELSIE HIGH SCHOOL / WKAR
Water Treatment
Student Producers:
Carter Goodrich, Jacob Ramirez, Kiyana Irish
Description:
Water treatment plants are not pretty, but are essential for any city. How can they be adjusted to be more climate friendly?
Organic Farming
Student Producers:
Genevieve Hills, Kaylee Norris, Kyron Miller
Description:
Combining traditional farming techniques with modern technology can lead to smaller carbon footprints in the efforts against climate change.
Solar Power
Student Producers:
Rubie Sanford, James Adams, Larz Ostrander
Description:
How the transition to solar power energy is saving money and the planet.
J.W. SEXTON HIGH SCHOOL / WKAR
Climate Change Anxiety
Student Producers:
Lebron Stitt, Shamari Jones
Description:
How does climate change affect the anxiety of future generations?
Snow Days
Student Producers:
Elizabeth Edwards, Bryson Hyatt, Dane Loudenbeck
Description:
How will school snow days be impacted by climate change? Could we see “heat days” instead?
Goose Poop
Student Producers:
Bryson Hyatt, Dane Loudenbeck, Elizabeth Edwards
Description:
Migration patterns of the Canada goose have changed due to climate change. With the Canada goose sticking around longer in Michigan, what effects does their waste have on the local environments?
GRANBY HIGH SCHOOL / WHRO
Wind Energy as a Green Alternative
Student Producers:
Chris Sarpong, Ivan Otero, Lorenzo Bell
Description:
Wind energy is a green alternative to coal fire plants, and one of the country’s biggest wind farms is being constructed 27 miles off the coast of Virginia. How much energy can wind provide for Hampton Roads and will it be emissions free by 2050?
Norfolk Homes and Sea Level Rise
Student Producers:
Latanya Reid, Fanasia Saintfleur, Jaiden Carrico, Bruce Blanchard, Rob Aquino, Rihanna Barnes
Description:
Sea level rise is predicted to increase over the next several years, however residents can prepare for the future through innovative solutions.
The Chrysler Museum of Norfolk and Flooding Mitigation
Student Producers:
Sahmya McGlone, Aaryn Vann, Jahnile Anthony
Description:
The Chrysler Museum of Norfolk is taking precautions to mitigate the flooding risk caused by sea level rise. With over 30,000 pieces of art, the Chrysler Museum has raised over 55 million dollars to combat the threat by investing in structural resilience.
GOVERNOR’S SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS / WHRO
Farm to Table
Student Producers:
Ava Harlan, Olivia Tarrer, Olivia Pearce, Annika Marshall
Description:
A new movement driven by a growing environmental consciousness is bringing America back to its roots in local food production. As a result, farm-to-table restaurants are buying local produce and limiting their resource area.
Recycling
Student Producers:
Emily Wright, Jenna Stone, Elsie O’Donnell, Maddy Gualdoni, Aurelia Day
Description:
Curbside recycling in Hampton Roads is only provided by 14 of the 167 cities and counties. Chesapeake ended curbside recycling in 2022. From drop-off sites to subscription services, residents of Chesapeake are finding new ways to recycle and improve the environment.
Storm Risk Management
Student Producers:
Courtney Connor II, Gabriel Lopez, Allie Prouty, Sailor Hunt, Joseph Bondmass
Description:
The city of Norfolk has the highest rate of sea level rise on the US east coast, rising 5.38 millimeters per year. How can the city mitigate tidal flooding to protect the people of Norfolk? In partnership with the Army Corps of Engineers, the city has unveiled a project called the Storm Risk Management Project to combat the flooding issue.