How Does Air Temperature Shape a Place?

Provided by: Crash Course |Published on: April 27, 2021

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Synopsis

This Crash Course video examines how latitude, distance from an ocean, elevation, and population density can impact the temperature of a location and how some cities, like Phoenix, Arizona, will need to respond to extreme heat.
Topics discussed include cultural impacts, urban development, location within a continent, and the specific heat of both land and water.
The video also explains why places like Siberia are very cold.

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Subjects: Earth and Space Sciences, Geography

Authors: Crash Course

Region: Asia, North America, Polar Regions, Global, Arizona

Languages: English

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Teaching Materials

Positives

The pace of this video allows the viewer to stay engaged for its duration.
The narrator is effective at connecting geography, earth science, and biology concepts.
There are many useful visuals in the video that can be explored more intently.

Prerequisites

It would be helpful for students to know what an isotherm is and what it measures.
To deepen context for students, cover the topics of specific heat, the relationship between insolation and latitude, visible versus infrared radiation, and the albedo effect either before or after viewing.

Differentiation & Implementation

Equity issues abound as the planet warms. One example is the differential heating of rural and non-rural areas. Invite students to consider groups of people facing greater risks as the planet warms.
Siberia and melting polar ice caps are central topics in this video. Challenge students to dig deeper into how changes in both of these locations are contributing to climate tipping points.
The video suggests that the color of surfaces impacts the absorption of radiation. Ask them to test this out for themselves. This is a quick, low-material activity that can be ideal for students who prefer to move and test ideas.

Scientist Notes

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Resource Type and Format

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How Does Air Temperature Shape a Place?

Synopsis

Teaching Materials

Scientist Reviewed

Related Teaching Resources