Preference of weather protection devices by primary students in Sri Lanka: a case study in rural and urban schools

Abstract

Protection of the head, face and skin from sun and rain is of paramount importance especially for primary school children owing to climate change and extreme weather conditions Therefore, children avoiding weather protection devices is a common issue faced by parents. A study was conducted with the objective of understanding the preferences of weather protection devices of Sri Lankan primary school children (ages 5-10 years) of selected rural and urban areas. The information on Innovativeness in their ideas, Knowledge on ancient weather protection practices, Knowledge on modern technology, Interest in self-protection from weather conditions (rain and sun), and Focus on playfulness were collected. Pictorial expressions on Weather Protection Devices and Preferences were also obtained. Results showed a gradual increase in relative scores given to the knowledge on ancient practices from grade 1-5. The knowledge of school children in urban areas was comparatively greater on modern practices and applications. However, no differences in the level of innovativeness of ideas could be seen with children in both rural and urban areas. With age, the interests of children showed a tendency to get closer to that of parents and thus minimize the gap between them in the concept of weather protection. Color, form, texture, interactivity and competition were observed interests.