Young climate detectives transform their school playground into a greener space
Students at De Ark Primary School in Vlaardingen are taking climate action into their own hands by investigating their playground's resilience to extreme weather. Their findings could inspire changes to create a cooler, greener, and more climate-proof environment for their daily activities.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| School | De Ark Primary School |
| Location | Vlaardingen, Zuid-Holland |
| Program | Guest lessons on climate change by Code Groen |
| Experiments Conducted | Heat stress test, water drainage test, biodiversity assessment |
| Availability | Free for schools throughout 2026 |
| Registration | www.vlaardingseschatten.nl |
| Potential Subsidy | Municipal subsidy for green-blue school playgrounds |
| Subsidy Information | www.vlaardingen.nl/subsidie |
The municipality of Vlaardingen, through initiatives like Code Groen, plays a key role in environmental education by offering programs that engage students in hands-on learning about climate resilience. These efforts align with broader municipal goals to promote sustainability and community involvement in local climate adaptation.
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Students at De Ark School Investigate Climate on Their Own Playground
How well can the playground withstand extreme heat, heavy rain, or drought? Students at De Ark Primary School discovered this during new guest lessons on climate change. The lessons were provided by a natural and environmental education teacher from Code Groen. The children investigated the impact of climate on a place they use daily: their own school playground.
During the lesson, the students went outside to conduct three simple but educational experiments. They performed a "heat stress test" to measure temperatures in areas with tiles, grass, and shade. They found that materials and vegetation can cause significant differences. They also tested how quickly water drains into the soil. In some areas, the water disappeared immediately, while in others, heavy rainfall could lead to flooding. Finally, they examined the biodiversity on the playground. After their research, the students came up with their own ideas to make the playground greener, cooler, and more climate-proof. They were also challenged to assess the climate resilience of their own neighborhood and consider how small actions could make a difference there.
Free Guest Lessons
The climate lessons are offered free of charge throughout 2026. Schools can register via www.vlaardingseschatten.nl. Schools that want to implement the students' ideas immediately may also be eligible for the municipal subsidy for green-blue school playgrounds. For more information, visit www.vlaardingen.nl/subsidie.