Light & Learning

Abstract

My thesis investigates the question: how does exposure to natural light enhance academic performance in an elementary school? My claim is that exposure to natural light enhances academic performance in elementary schools. The actors being the natural elements; light. The action being exposure to natural elements in the academic setting. The object being students in elementary schools. The exploration of this thesis will be done by means of an elementary school Bismarck ND. My premises are as follows: light is a biological need that stimulates brain activity and influences mood; exposure to natural light positively influences the learning environment and physchological well-being of those who inhabit it; students in elementary schools learn better, and enjoy the spaces more when natural light is integrated with their experiences. The justification for my thesis is that learning/education is very important to our society as a whole, as well as individually. The learning environment shapes our thoughts and influences our passions. I have experienced the power of light on an environment, and I want to pursue this topic so that others can learn, enjoy and explore that experience as well.