New research by Western Sydney University explores the concerning impact the changing climate and increasing heat are having on Australian schools and childcare centres, as experts predict temperatures will reach extreme heights this summer.
The research found dangerously high surface temperatures in outdoor play spaces, raising important questions about children's safety and learning outcomes.
Following experiments within a number of childcare centres, the data reveals that the worst temperatures were measured on the surface materials initially considered the safest for outdoor play, including AstroTurf and softfall.
Senior researcher and initiator of the Cool Schools report, Dr. Sebastian Pfautsch, commented: "We saw temperatures rise up to 98 degrees Celsius on AstroTurf, raising concerning questions about the impact this is having on children's wellbeing, as we know children are far more vulnerable to heat stress than adults.
"We also found that playground infrastructure heats up drastically as temperatures rise and some surfaces and playground equipment, such as metal slides, become far too hot for children to play on."
Professor Kathryn Holmes, also part of the Cool Schools research team, raised questions on the impact rising heat in play areas could have on children's physical activity levels, as school students are expected to spend a lot more time indoors in the future to avoid the rapidly increasing temperatures.
She said teachers in NSW already deploy a range of traditional cooling strategies, such as encouraging appropriate clothing for the heat, ensuring blinds are closed and handing out water bottles on hot days. More schools have also had started installing covered outdoor learning areas (COLAs), to provide more shade.
"Yet, few studies look at the classroom environment and curricular activities when it comes to summer heat, or at the thermal comfort of children in outdoor play areas in Australia. We need more evidence-based findings to help children stay cool in a climate changed future."
The report also noted concerns that trees are disappearing from schools at an alarming rate. Dr. Pfautsch questions how outdoor education can safely be delivered if temperatures are increasing, yet school yards are becoming distinctively empty and offer minimal shade.
"Trees provide significant environmental, economic, social, psychological and physiological benefits to students. As well as offering shade, trees create fresher air and provide fantastic habitat and food sources for insects and animals, resulting in beneficial learning and recreational environments for children. It's very concerning to see even more trees rapidly disappearing from our schools," said Dr. Pfautsch.
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