Knowledge Visualization

The biology of soils plays an important role in global warming. Therefore, keeping soils healthy is a strategic contribution in the fight against climate change. In this project, I have created an animated movie clip for students, visualizing the interaction between soil and climate and the huge influence of human activities.

Educators often struggle when teaching complex processes because typically they have only two-dimensional tools to teach in the classroom. Research on learning has demonstrated that visualizing such processes in three dimensions aids understanding. I am addressing these questions through methods such as design workshops, online surveys, and mood boards. Results have shown that students learn more from animations than from static images. The presentation of data charts in animations can effectively convey information and provides a reference from which students can appreciate the knowledge presented in the animation. With this project, I hope to have an impact on knowledge communication in schools and universitites and on the way students learn. With the topic I also want to raise awareness on less mainstream environmental topics such as soils, which are equally important for achieving an environmentally sustainable future.