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AI Data Centers & the Heat Island Effect

Provided by: Share My Lesson |Published on: May 15, 2026

Lesson Plans

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Synopsis

This lesson examines how artificial intelligence data centers create local heat islands that raise surrounding land surface temperatures.
Students read, discuss data visualizations, and respond to discussion questions and media literacy prompts.

Subjects: Earth and Space Sciences

Authors: Andy Kratochvil

Region: Global

Languages: English

Prerequisites:

Ensure students are familiar with data centers and how AI companies use them.
Review concepts like climate change, water scarcity, and the urban heat island effect.

Classroom Implementation:

Differentiation:

Consider printing the Cheat Sheet or writing the terms and definitions on the board for students to have a quick reference for content-specific terms.

Interdisciplinary Connections:

Social Studies:
- Have students look into this issue from an environmental justice perspective, using concepts such as redlining and environmental racism to inform their discussion.

Scientist Notes

Teaching Tips

Standards

Resource Type and Format

All resources can be used for your educational purposes with proper attribution to the content provider.