The Powerhouse Museum has launched an innovative learning program to empower Western Sydney school students engage with the challenge of heatwaves and urban heat, and help contribute to solutions.

Launched on 2nd December 2024, the 50^oC: Climate, Heat & Resilience program links 945 students from across 9 schools with researchers from University of Sydney, Western Sydney University and UNSW. The program delivers on heat Smart City Plan recommendation 38.

The program seeks to inspire students’ interest in, and understanding of, the global and local problem of rising heat, empowering them to implement changes in their communities.  

The program brings Geography, Science, Visual Art, English, and Design and Technology curricula to life by engaging students in projects linked to their own experiences.  Activities include:

• Using data loggers and thermal cameras to collect data on heat at their school.
• Using data to design and apply heat mitigation solutions at their school.
• Designing heat safe messaging for their community using local knowledge.
• Creating artwork, performances and stories that communicate how heat impacts their community.

The 50^oC: Climate, Heat & Resilience program also engages with school teachers through professional development days. This ensures educators have the skills needed to effectively teach the program, and allows program developers to seek educator feedback on program modules.

“Kids are the future and they need to be in the conversation about their future. The project is relevant for our school context and can generate genuine engagement with meaningful content.” (High school teacher)

With heatwaves expected to double in frequency and duration in greater Sydney the next 50 years, the Powerhouse seeks to ensure the next generation understands the challenges future communities will face, and feels empowered to act, adapt, build community resilience in response to these challenges.

Final outcomes from the 2024/25 summer program will be showcased at the 50^oC Climate Summit on 11 April 2025.

If you would like to become involved in the program, or attend the Summit, please contact Sophie Poisel, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The 50 ^oC learning program links to Recommendation 38 of the Heat Smart City Plan.

More information:

Powerhouse Museum 50c Climate Heat and Resilience Program