What’s in the air? Creating an interactive, educational air quality display

Gawley, William; McLane, Ardrianna; Peters, Melanie; Flanagan, Colleen; Winchester, Julie

Visitors to Acadia National Park (ACAD) expect to experience pristine environments and unspoiled scenic views, but are occasionally disappointed to find that even "protected areas" are not immune to damage from pollution and other global environmental problems. Air pollution is particularly problematic, since short of enclosing a national park in a protective bubble, there is no way to insulate park resources and visitors from pollution effects. ACAD resource managers and interpreters collaborated with air quality specialists from the National Park Service Air Resources Division and media design experts at Colorado State University to create an interactive exhibit designed to inform visitors about some of the air pollutants that can degrade visibility and threaten human and environmental health. Using a question-based approach, the touch-screen display guides viewers through text, photos, and animated graphics explaining the 4 major pollution types at ACAD, their sources and effects, how they are monitored, and what we all can do to help reduce air pollution. The interdisciplinary project builds on the air quality research and monitoring conducted at Acadia for over thirty years by creating a connection between the science and park visitors. Air quality world-wide is under constant threat of further degradation, and pollution is not deflected by park boundaries. The only way to truly protect Acadia's scenic views and fragile resources is by understanding the park’s connection to global air quality issues, and working to improve the problem through research, monitoring, and education.