Should we trust trees…They seem shady: Exploring how tree equity and canopy cover affect heat days and recess modification in Arizona elementary schools

This thesis explored the potential correlation between the number of days of modified recess because of extreme heat and the tree equity score and canopy cover in a school’s census tract area. At this time of rapid climate change and unprecedented extreme heat days in Phoenix, most schools have no guidelines on how to protect students while also offering opportunities for healthy, aerobic physical activity. The purpose of this research was to examine the relationship between a school’s decision to modify outdoor recess and the amount of tree canopy and shade. A study sample of teachers at 69 elementary schools in Arizona completed a survey to report how many days the schools experienced heat days and what recess modifications were implemented during heat days in the fall of 2023. Tree equity and canopy cover data were obtained from the Tree Equity National Explorer. After careful consideration of all possible explanations as to how schools decide how many days will be modified due to heat, at the moment, there was no significant correlation found between the school’s heat days and the amount of tree equity and canopy cover surrounding the census tract area. This gives way for further questions and research on how the amount of trees and shade cover can possibly help schools in their decisions about recess modifications.