The HEATWAVES project, part of the Erasmus+ KA2 initiative, has once again demonstrated its profound impact on climate education, serving as the foundation for a highly praised master’s thesis defense. Held online via the National Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), the thesis titled “Identifying and Modifying Primary School Students’ Ideas About Confronting Urban Heatwaves as a Consequence of Climate Crisis” was successfully presented by an NKUA master’s student and research member of the HEATWAVES initiative.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE THESIS DEFENSE
The thesis presentation was attended by a distinguished audience, including 20 master’s students, multiple PhD candidates from NKUA and the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), and professors from NKUA’s Department of Primary Education. The research, grounded in the innovative “HEATWAVE CITY” online game developed by HEATWAVES, explored how interactive educational tools can reshape students’ understanding of urban heatwaves and foster sustainable thinking.
The study adopted a three-phase research methodology:
- Pre-research Phase: Students completed a digital questionnaire and created sketches of urban solutions for combating heatwaves.
- Intervention Phase: The “HEATWAVE CITY” game was implemented alongside tailored worksheets, offering an engaging hands-on learning experience.
- Post-research Phase: Students revisited their initial tasks, revealing significant improvements in their ideas and understanding of urban heatwave resilience.
The research revealed that:
- Students demonstrated a growing awareness of the direct connection between the climate crisis and urban heatwaves.
- Practical solutions such as increased vegetation, open water sources, and passive cooling were frequently identified by participants.
- The interactive nature of the “HEATWAVE CITY” game was instrumental in modifying students’ misconceptions and expanding their knowledge about urban heatwave management.
IMPACT
The defense received widespread acclaim from attendees, who highlighted the importance of integrating such tools into education. Several educators expressed interest in adopting the “HEATWAVE CITY” game in their own teaching practices, recognizing its potential to inspire students and address critical environmental challenges.
One attendee remarked, “This research underscores the transformative power of education in preparing young minds to tackle climate-related challenges. Tools like ‘HEATWAVE CITY’ not only educate but also empower future generations to think critically about sustainability.”
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
