Shade to protect kids at recess and support active play
Official title: Shading school playgrounds to reduce heat and UV exposure and promote physical activity
Funded at Arizona State University-Tempe Campus · NIH-11427024 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study will test if installing shaded solar canopies over elementary basketball courts reduces sun and heat exposure for kids while they play outside.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Arizona State University-Tempe Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Scottsdale, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $261,290 |
| NIH project number | 1R21ES038828-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11427024 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children ages 9–11 attending participating elementary schools in Arizona.
✕Less likely to help
Children outside the target age range or not attending the participating schools may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers will compare UV exposure, heat, and how much kids play before and after shade structures are installed on three elementary school basketball courts in Arizona. They will track 300 children ages 9–11 using wearables, direct observations, and environmental sensors to measure sun exposure, temperature, and activity levels during recess. The findings will help determine if shade installations make outdoor play safer and more comfortable, potentially encouraging more physical activity. The study uses a pre-post design, with measurements taken at baseline and after shade structures are in place.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could lead to safer outdoor play environments that reduce sun and heat risks while promoting healthier activity levels for children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous related work suggests shade can reduce heat and UV exposure, but effects on activity and health outcomes in this exact setting are not fully known.
Where this research is happening
-
Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
Scottsdale, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Poulos, Allison — Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
- Study coordinator: Poulos, Allison
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.