This paper presents a novel method for communicating environmental information in an engaging and memorable manner. Instead of traditional visual or written communication, our approach involves physical representation of data, using weight as the key element. Using food as a case study, we demonstrate the carbon footprint of food items through life-sized models that accurately reflect their actual weight. In an educational setting, students collectively discuss and estimate emissions for sample foods, followed by hands-on interaction. Each model's weight mirrors its carbon footprint, from 50 grams for half a kilo of potatoes to 13 kilograms for half a kilo of beef. Early tests show a significant "Wow!"factor, particularly for high-emission foods. This tangible experience leaves a lasting impression, potentially influencing future choices. Our approach can extend to other areas like energy. The paper concludes with design recommendations for future work.

Effectively communicating vital sustainability topics, such as personal CO2e emissions stemming from daily activities, is challenging since there is a general lack of”carbon literacy.” Despite efforts, like employing data visualizations, conveying this information in engaging and memorable ways remains difficult, often resulting in rapid forgetfulness. Our demonstration presents a pedagogical approach aimed at addressing this challenge. Through the integration of surprise elements, data physicalization, and embodied learning, we have developed two interactive mediated non-digital learning experiences focusing on CO2e emissions from food and from consumption. At the core of our pedagogical approach are physical artifacts representing CO2e emissions where the weight of the artifacts directly corresponds to the CO2e emissions they represent. By employing a structured interactive pedagogical setup involving peer discussion, hands-on manipulation of the artifacts, and subsequent explanations, we have created an engaging experience that encourages long-term learning.

Food systems contribute approximately 34% of global greenhouse gas emissions, making food carbonliteracy crucial for climate change mitigation. However, traditional communication of carbon footprint datathrough abstract metrics like CO2 equivalents (CO2eq) and representations such as graphs and figures faces significant barriers: experiential vagueness, scale comprehension difficulties, and emotional detachment that widens not only understanding but also the knowledge-action gap. This study explores data physicalization as an alternative approach to foster embodied engagement with environmental data.We designed and tested a hands-on pedagogical activity using food replicas weighted proportionally to their CO2 equivalent emissions, allowing participants to literally ‘feel’ the carbon footprint of different food choices. The activity was deployed primarily at a public science outreach event with young adults. Data collection employed survey methodology to capture participant responses and learning outcomes,supplemented by a collective research diary. Through a content analysis of the quantitative survey dataand thematic analysis of the qualitative survey responses, we identify patterns in participant engagement and learning - relating to surprise and increased engagement with the data, the story behind it, as well as emotional reactions to the data. Our results provide insights into the effectiveness of such embodied approaches in environmental education. This work contributes to environmental education by: (1)demonstrating the efficacy of physicalization for carbon literacy education, (2) providing empirical evidence of enhanced engagement through embodied approaches, and (3) offering practical guidelines for educators. While promising for improving understanding, translating this awareness into sustained behavioral change remains a challenge requiring further research.