In this lesson, students will create a folded booklet that visually explains the causes and effects of pollution on the environment. Using sequential art, typography, and graphic design, students will communicate how human actions impact nature. The project encourages thoughtful observation, clear visual storytelling, and responsible use of materials by incorporating drawing, text, and recycled magazine clippings.
Understand the concept of cause and effect
Learn how pollution impacts the environment
Use sequential art to communicate ideas clearly
Apply basic typography and layout principles
Experiment with mixed media and collage techniques
Develop visual storytelling and environmental awareness
Sequential art uses images arranged in a specific order to tell a story or explain information. Examples include comic books, storyboards, and illustrated booklets. In this project, each pair of pages will show a cause (left page) and its effect (right page).
Pencil and eraser
A3 paper
Colored pencils / pencil crayons
Markers and pens
Paint (optional)
Old magazines (for collage)
What does cause and effect mean to you?
Can you think of simple cause-and-effect examples from everyday life?
Cause: Never brushing teeth → Effect: Cavities
Cause: Smoking → Effect: Lung disease
What are some causes of pollution?
Air pollution, water pollution, plastic waste, deforestation
What are the effects of pollution on animals, plants, and people?
Why is it important to show cause and effect visually?
Step 1: Make the Booklet
Fold one sheet of A3 paper into eight sections
Cut along the center fold to create a foldable booklet
Step 2: Plan Your Pages
Inside the booklet, lightly sketch your ideas
Each spread should show:
Left page: Cause of pollution
Right page: Effect on the environment
Decide what images and words will best communicate your message
Step 3: Draw & Communicate
Add detailed drawings that clearly show the problem and its outcome
Use words, captions, or short sentences to support your visuals
Make sure the cause-and-effect relationship is easy to understand
Step 4: Typography & Layout
Carefully plan where text and images go on each page
Choose lettering styles that match the mood (serious, urgent, educational)
Keep your layout clean, balanced, and readable
Step 5: Cover Design
Design the front and back covers
Title the booklet: “Pollution: Cause and Effect”
Make the cover eye-catching and informative
Step 6: Ink, Color & Collage
Outline your drawings with pens or markers
Add color using pencil crayons, markers, or paint
Incorporate magazine clippings to create collage elements and reinforce recycling
Which type of pollution affected you the most while working on this project?
How did using images and text together strengthen your message?
What actions can people take to reduce pollution?
Sequential Art – Artwork that uses images in a specific order to tell a story or explain information
Cause and Effect – A relationship where one action leads to a result
Mixed Media – Artwork created using more than one material
Collage – An artwork made by gluing different materials onto a surface
Typography – The style and arrangement of text