When the learning environment is too cold or too hot students cannot work productively. Varying temperatures, cold and hot, have their effect on all workers. This can effect our mood or simply what outfit we choose for the day. However, cooler temperatures have been proven to improve sleeping habits and build metabolism.

Science shows that our brains work better within cooler environments and not environments where the temps soar beyond 80. Cornell University research has also shown that 77 degrees is the best room temperature for work, but how many of our classrooms keep up that optimal temperature?

At times in our school the temperatures may greatly vary.  If it is proven that temperatures affect the brain including the learning environment in our classrooms, then why doesn’t the school maintain the optimal temperature of 77 degrees? Especially, if the school’s mission is to equip students for lifelong learning, that all starts within the classroom.

Mr. Ray Barnes is the Facilities Services Division Chief Operating Officer for FCPS and his main priority is to work towards the safety and success of all students and staff.

“We have 68 schools that all have some unique operating characteristics. Temperature control can be influenced by many factors such as the orientation of the building to the sun, the amount of insulation installed when the building was constructed, the amount of wind protection provided by the surroundings, the quality of the window glass and window frames, and the type of HVAC (Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning) system the building has,” said Barnes.

The LHS school building may not keep up the optimal temperature due to varying factors. There are also regulations that offer guidance in energy conservation for FCPS buildings. Even different operations are used for transitions of the summer and winter periods that we should understand.

Social studies teacher Mr. Aaron Burch has a reputation for being hot all the time. He disagrees that warmer temperatures keep students alert and moving.

“A hot classroom can implode even the best lessons,” said Mr. Burch.   

Burch opens windows to cool down the classroom.

Lancer Media conducted a poll on building temperature. Sixty five percent of students preferred a cold learning environment, and 35% preferred a warm environment.

Early in the school year, the heat outside made it a challenge to keep the inside of the schools cool.  On September 4th, Carter Gipson a student at Oakdale High School sarcastically tweeted, “I’ve always learned best when packed into 95 degree rooms with 35 other students. Looking forward to another productive day! @FCPSMaryland.”

In response to his tweet FCPS replied, “We are aware of the issue and working as quickly as possible to fix it.”  Although it may not be obvious to the students in the very warm classroom, school administrators and custodians work quickly with FCPS maintenance to make sure the rooms are comfortable.

As we advance into the fall and the temperatures change, so will learning. LHS will soon be turning up the heat on October 15, unless there are extreme temperatures or building limitations that make it mandatory to switch over before that date.

Now you can say your improving grades are due to the weather!