2023 - 2024
The Harris County Pollution Control Services (PCS) Educational Outreach Program was developed to engage and educate the community, particularly children, about environmental conservation and pollution control. This multifaceted project included the creation of a mascot, an activity and coloring book, an animated video, and social media graphics, all designed to make learning about environmental topics engaging and accessible.
Outcome:
The PCS Educational Outreach Program succeeded in creating a comprehensive and engaging educational platform. Through the use of a relatable mascot, interactive materials, and animated storytelling, the project effectively communicated the importance of pollution control and environmental stewardship to children and the broader community. This case study highlights the power of creative design in making complex topics accessible and inspiring action towards a healthier environment.
PCS Mascot - Rocket the Ram
Concept:
The mascot was designed to be approachable and friendly, embodying a character that children could relate to and learn from. Rocket the Ram was developed to represent PCS in a fun and educational manner.
Design Approach:
Using a playful yet informative approach, the mascot was illustrated with a friendly demeanor, wearing PCS-branded attire to establish a strong visual connection with the organization.
Outcome:
Rocket the Ram became the face of PCS's educational outreach, effectively capturing children's attention and making environmental education more engaging.
Rocket The Ram Mascot:
Rocket the Ram, will educate students about pollution control, our department’s services, and an overview of how pollution affects us all.
FINAL APPROVED DESIGN FOR ROCKET THE RAM MASCOT
Coloring AND Activity Book
Concept:
The book was created as an interactive educational tool to teach children about pollution, environmental protection, and the role of PCS in a fun and engaging way.
Design Approach:
Activities and illustrations were designed to be both informative and entertaining. The content was developed to be age-appropriate, using Rocket the Ram as a guide throughout the book to explain various concepts.
Outcome:
The activity and coloring book provided an engaging way for children to learn about important environmental topics, reinforcing PCS's mission through interactive learning.
PCS Educational Outreach Giveaway Items & RETRACTABLE BANNER
As part of the Harris County Pollution Control Services (PCS) Educational Outreach Program, branded giveaway items and a retractable banner were designed to promote environmental awareness and the services offered by PCS. These items were primarily distributed to children during school visits and community events.
Design Approach
Concept:
The branded giveaway items, including pencil sharpeners and school kit bags, were created to raise awareness of PCS and provide children with practical, educational tools. These items also served as constant reminders of the PCS mission and the importance of environmental responsibility. In addition, a retractable banner featuring Rocket the Ram, PCS's mascot, was designed to engage children with a friendly and relatable character.
The branded giveaway items, including pencil sharpeners and school kit bags, were created to raise awareness of PCS and provide children with practical, educational tools. These items also served as constant reminders of the PCS mission and the importance of environmental responsibility. In addition, a retractable banner featuring Rocket the Ram, PCS's mascot, was designed to engage children with a friendly and relatable character.
Collaboration:
Vendors were engaged to produce the school kit bags, pencil sharpeners, and retractable banner, ensuring they met high-quality standards and PCS branding guidelines. The goal was to create materials that would appeal to children while being functional, educational, and durable.
Vendors were engaged to produce the school kit bags, pencil sharpeners, and retractable banner, ensuring they met high-quality standards and PCS branding guidelines. The goal was to create materials that would appeal to children while being functional, educational, and durable.
Design Elements:
School Kit Bags: Designed with vibrant, child-friendly imagery that included educational tools like rulers, pencils, and scissors, along with PCS branding and contact information.
Pencil Sharpeners: Featured the PCS logo and were made in fun colors to complement the kit bags, ensuring consistency in branding.
Retractable Banner: Highlighted Rocket the Ram, dressed in PCS gear, to draw attention and foster engagement. The banner reinforced PCS's identity while providing a clear contact point for event attendees.
Outcome
The giveaway items and retractable banner were well-received during the educational outreach programs, effectively increasing visibility for PCS. The branded school kit bags and pencil sharpeners not only served as useful items for children but also helped reinforce key messages about environmental stewardship. By incorporating Rocket the Ram into the design of the retractable banner, PCS was able to create a welcoming, engaging display that attracted attention and made the outreach efforts more impactful.
Rocket The Ram PCS Educational Video & STORY TIME WITH PCS SOCIAL MEDIA GRAPHIC
Rocket The Ram PCS Educational Video
Concept: The animated video aimed to provide a visual and engaging overview of PCS’s work and the importance of pollution control in an easy-to-understand format.
Design Approach: Utilizing Animaker, the video featured Rocket the Ram explaining various environmental topics, PCS programs, and pollution prevention measures. The animation was designed to be colorful and dynamic to maintain the interest of younger audiences.
Outcome: The animated video successfully communicated complex environmental issues in a simplified manner, serving as an educational resource for schools and community programs.
Story Time and Movie Time with PCS Social Media Graphics
Concept:
These graphics were created as part of Harris County Pollution Control Services (PCS)'s community outreach initiatives, "Story Time with PCS" and "Movie Time with PCS", designed to engage children and their families in fun, educational events. Story Time involved PCS representatives visiting libraries to read to children and discuss environmental topics, while Movie Time featured environmental-themed movies shown in partnership with local libraries.
These graphics were created as part of Harris County Pollution Control Services (PCS)'s community outreach initiatives, "Story Time with PCS" and "Movie Time with PCS", designed to engage children and their families in fun, educational events. Story Time involved PCS representatives visiting libraries to read to children and discuss environmental topics, while Movie Time featured environmental-themed movies shown in partnership with local libraries.
Design Approach:
Story Time Graphic:
The design featured Rocket the Ram, the PCS mascot, in themed outfits that corresponded with the seasons—Halloween-themed in October and Thanksgiving in November. The graphics incorporated festive decorations such as pumpkins, leaves, and bats, making it visually appealing and seasonal. Important event information like dates, times, and locations was clearly displayed to encourage community participation.
The design featured Rocket the Ram, the PCS mascot, in themed outfits that corresponded with the seasons—Halloween-themed in October and Thanksgiving in November. The graphics incorporated festive decorations such as pumpkins, leaves, and bats, making it visually appealing and seasonal. Important event information like dates, times, and locations was clearly displayed to encourage community participation.
Movie Time Graphic:
The Movie Time graphic was designed with a similar approach, incorporating Rocket the Ram alongside elements associated with cinema (popcorn, film reels, etc.) and seasonal themes to create a cohesive and engaging look. The graphic included details about the movie screenings, such as the movie title, date, time, and location, aiming to attract families to these fun, educational movie events.
The Movie Time graphic was designed with a similar approach, incorporating Rocket the Ram alongside elements associated with cinema (popcorn, film reels, etc.) and seasonal themes to create a cohesive and engaging look. The graphic included details about the movie screenings, such as the movie title, date, time, and location, aiming to attract families to these fun, educational movie events.
Outcome:
Both the Story Time and Movie Time graphics were successful in promoting PCS’s educational outreach programs. They helped increase community engagement by effectively attracting families to these events at local libraries. The creative use of Rocket the Ram and themed designs made the graphics more relatable for children and visually appealing for parents. As a result, the initiatives saw improved attendance, helping PCS further its mission of raising environmental awareness among the younger generation.
Both the Story Time and Movie Time graphics were successful in promoting PCS’s educational outreach programs. They helped increase community engagement by effectively attracting families to these events at local libraries. The creative use of Rocket the Ram and themed designs made the graphics more relatable for children and visually appealing for parents. As a result, the initiatives saw improved attendance, helping PCS further its mission of raising environmental awareness among the younger generation.
