Temperature

Overview

Providing ways for students to meet their individual temperature needs supports focus and Self-regulation. Maintaining a comfortable classroom temperature, usually between 68°F and 74°F, also promotes increased student engagement and learning.

Use It in the Classroom

Learn how this elementary school with no air conditioning tried to cope during a heat wave. By dimming the lights, opening the windows, and blowing fans in each classroom, these educators attempted to monitor the temperature and cool down the school.

When teachers are able to control the temperature of their own classroom, they can adjust it according to the needs and current moods of their students. However, if this individual control is not possible, some affordable accommodations to include in the classroom that help mediate differences in temperature include blankets and portable fans.

Design It into Your Product

Products can monitor the temperature of a learning environment and provide suggestions to maintain the optimal temperature for a learner. Being in an environment that is too cold can lead to distractibility and decreased Attention. Similarly, an environment that is too warm can also result in decreased concentration due to discomfort and drowsiness.

View References

Resources

Below are additional examples, research, and professional development. These resources are possible representations of this strategy, not endorsements.

Examples

Ten Simple Tips

DIY ideas for fun ways to keep students cool on hot days

Research

Heat's Impact on Student Learning

Article on the correlation between heat and lower student outcomes

Research

Importance of School Facilities

The impact of school facilities, including temperature, on student outcomes