OK Study Shows Direct Correlation Between Fresh Air, Test Scores

Many classrooms could be too hot and stuffy for children to do their best. That's the result of a study conducted by Oklahoma researchers.

Wednesday, September 23rd 2015, 9:40 am

By: News 9


Many classrooms could be too hot and stuffy for children to do their best. That's the result of a study conducted by Oklahoma researchers.

The experiment is one of the first studies to show a direct correlation between fresh air and test scores. The research was carried out by a team from the University of Tulsa.

TU researchers studied air quality in 140 5th grade classrooms. They found a significant association between the amount of ventilation and math scores. And math scores were higher in classrooms where the air was colder.

Scores went up 12 points with each one degree drop in temperature. The problem is that schools either cut costs by raising the temperature or they've made buildings almost airtight and recirculate stale air.

"Most of the classrooms we studied are under ventilated and overheated and students aren't able to achieve and do well under those conditions," said Richard Shaughnessy, University of Tulsa.

The team found between 72 and 73 degrees is the perfect temperature for students

Most of the research was done outside Tulsa, but most schools have similar results: not enough air and not enough air conditioning for students to do their best.

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