Stars and STEM Stories
GLOBE Mauritius: Young Scientists Tackle Urban Heat at Piton State College
Under the blazing Mauritian sun, a team of grade-10
students from Piton State College in Pitan, Mauritius, embarked on a
mission to study their school's microclimate. Armed with infrared
thermometers and guided by Dr. Patrick Bernard Gabriel Long, these
young researchers became urban heat detectives for March through April 2025.
Their investigation followed rigorous GLOBE Pedosphere protocols, with students taking hundreds of temperature readings across three surfaces: the scorching asphalt parking lot, reaching a blistering 52°C (125.6° F) at peak; the cooler school garden's bare soil at 38°C (100.4° F); and the grassy field that offered merciful relief at 32°C (89.6° F). The "aha moment" came when their data visualization clearly showed how manmade surfaces amplified heat—the asphalt consistently recorded temperatures 20°C (68°F) higher than grassy areas. The project culminated with a presentation of the students’ findings at GLOBE's international webinar hosted in Ireland. Their 5-minute research video, featuring time-lapse footage of temperature variations and student testimonials, received praise from climate scientists worldwide. Particularly impressive was their correlation of weather data with temperature extremes, proving how cloud cover and wind could mitigate urban heating.
Beyond certificates and accolades, the project sparked real change.
This hands-on investigation didn't just produce data; it also cultivated a new generation of citizen scientists. As students continue monitoring temperatures across seasons, their work stands as proof that youth-led science can illuminate solutions to pressing environmental challenges.
Key Achievements:
- Documented 20°C temperature differential between urban surfaces
- Presented findings to international scientific audience
- Influenced school infrastructure planning
- Trained 25 students in climate research methodologies
The Piton State College team's journey from classroom to global platform demonstrates the transformative power of student science when coupled with programs like GLOBE. Their thermometer readings have now become a rallying cry for smarter, more efficient urban planning that helps Mauritanian communities stay cooler and more resilient.
Learn more about GLOBE Mauritius.
Story and photo courtesy of Patrick Bernard Gabriel Long.