The HEATWAVES project, an Erasmus+ initiative focused on advancing climate education, took center stage at the EUROGEO Conference “Compromised Geography: Spreading A New World”, held on May 30-31, 2024, in Porto. The event brought together geographers, educators, and researchers to tackle critical environmental and educational challenges, providing an ideal platform for showcasing HEATWAVES’ innovative contributions.
A session during the conference introduced “HEATWAVE CITY”, an online educational game developed under the HEATWAVES project, aimed at transforming students’ understanding of urban heatwave management. The presentation highlighted how interactive tools can address socio-scientific challenges and enhance awareness of sustainable urban planning among primary school students.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PRESENTATION
- The session demonstrated the impact of the “HEATWAVE CITY” game in improving students’ knowledge and perspectives on urban heatwave adaptation.
- A mixed-method study involving 51 fifth-grade students analyzed how gameplay reshaped their ideas on sustainable city design.
- Students showed measurable improvements in their understanding and attitudes toward heatwave resilience, with the interactive approach fostering active engagement and deeper learning.
The presentation drew approximately 40 attendees and received widespread acclaim for its creative methodology and relevance to climate education. An engaging discussion followed, emphasizing the project’s significance and exploring avenues for further collaboration and research. Notably, the session’s chair proposed including the game in a curated list of educational tools addressing the climate crisis. This recommendation not only highlights the game’s innovative approach but also underscores its potential for widespread impact in climate education. The recognition of the game in this context opens new opportunities for collaboration and integration into broader educational networks.
About HEATWAVES
The HEATWAVES project, involving partners from Belgium, Greece, Italy, and Romania, seeks to transform climate education by:
- Developing online learning frameworks focusing on heatwave awareness.
- Providing innovative digital resources for students and educators.
- Creating immersive experiences through simulations and educational games.
- Sharing impactful findings through scientific publications.
For more information about HEATWAVES, visit:
Website: www.heatwaves-project.eu
Contact: www.heatwaves-project.eu/contact-us
LinkedIn: HEATWAVES Awareness Education
