Grade 10 · Design for a real place
Beat the Heat
Fix a real place that can't survive summer.
Term 2 · December–March
Overview
Students identify an actual, local location that struggles with extreme heat - a schoolyard, a park, a bus stop - and design a real improvement to how it handles that heat. This isn't a hypothetical city: it's a specific site with real stakeholders who will hear the final proposal.
How this challenge is structured
See the full week-by-week breakdown ↓
Science (SNC2D) - Climate systems and heat transfer - how materials absorb and release heat differently.
Why is this site hotter than it needs to be?
Math (MPM2D) - Take real measurements of the site - dimensions, surface area, shade coverage.
How do you turn a site walk-through into usable numbers?
English (ENG2D) - Interview people who actually use the site.
What does "too hot" actually mean for them?
History (CHC2D) - Urban development and changing infrastructure at the site historically.
What historical decisions made this site vulnerable to heat?
Business (BEP2O) - Identify who's actually responsible for the site.
Who has to say yes to any change?
Computer Science (ICD2O) - Set up sensors or heat-mapping tools for baseline data.
What does the site's heat pattern look like over a day?
This week produces:
A site analysis report.
Where each subject shows up
| Subject | In this challenge |
|---|---|
| Science (SNC2D) | Heat transfer, materials, and climate systems |
| Math (MPM2D) | Measurement, trigonometry, and cost-benefit comparison |
| English (ENG2D) | User interviews and persuasive proposal writing |
| History (CHC2D) | Urban development and environmental policy |
| Business (BEP2O) | Budgeting and stakeholder value |
| Computer Science (ICD2O) | Heat mapping and scenario modelling |
Ends in…
A design review presented to the people responsible for the site
Portfolio evidence
Site analysis, a tested model, and a cost comparison
Real credit
This challenge counts toward SNC2D, MPM2D, ENG2D, CHC2D, BEP2O, and ICD2O - real Ontario high school credits, not just enrichment.
Every challenge is built on Ontario Ministry-recognized courses delivered through TVO ILC on our schedule.
A playground for your ambition starts with a real place - and people who will listen.