In this lesson, students learn about transpiration and how transpiration plays a role in cooling cities that experience extreme heat due to climate change.
Step 1 - Inquire: Students explore the idea of transpiration through a hands-on experiment.
Step 2 - Investigate: Students learn about trees' connection to urban heat islands.
Step 3 - Inspire: Students create a proposal to improve tree equity in their neighborhoods.
Positives
Students share diverse perspectives and ideas in journal prompts encouraging action.
Students participate in multiple interactive and hands-on learning activities to engage in kinesthetic, auditory, and visual learning.
Additional Prerequisites
This is lesson 2 of 4 in our 6th-8th grade Water Cycle, Deforestation, and Climate Change unit.
Materials required for the lab include the following:
Three small, thin-leafed plants
Three small, broad-leafed plants
Small watering can
Scale
Six plastic bags large enough to fit completely around each plant pot
Masking tape
Previous student knowledge of the water cycle and climate change will be beneficial for this unit.
Prior to the lesson, the teacher should post different emotions around the room for the SEL activity during the video on heat islands.
Differentiation
Students can complete the demonstration in lab groups.
Lab groups may be in mixed abilities to aid in understanding.
Journal prompts can be used for a whole group discussion if desired.
The class discussion in the Inquire section can be a writing assignment first to give students time to process and think about their responses.
The Inspire section may be completed in groups or individually at the discretion of the teacher.
This lesson succinctly explains the effect of climate change on the transpiration process. Transpiration helps to improve microclimate in urban cities and addresses the urban heat island effect. The lesson also draws attention for students to experiment the transpiration process, identify spatial distribution of redlining, evaluate tree equity in their community, and draft concept notes and proposals to seek supports to implement tree planting and restoration of green spaces. All materials have been well-sourced, and this lesson has passed our science credibility process.