What Makes Cities So Hot?

Provided by: UCAR Center for Science Education |Published on: November 14, 2023

Videos

K-8

Scientist Reviewed ↗

Synopsis

This video examines urban heat islands, what causes this phenomenon, and what strategies can be employed to reduce heat in these areas.
Students will learn that urban heat islands lack vegetation, which leads to increased heat in these areas, but reflective roofs and tree planting can help cool these areas by a noticeable amount.

Related Teaching Resources

Subjects: Earth and Space Sciences, Geography

Authors: UCAR Center for Science Education

Region: Global

Languages: English

View Resource

Teaching Materials

Positives

The concise nature of the video and the use of animation will keep students engaged.
This video also explores how asphalt and concrete interact with the sun's heat.

Additional Prerequisites

It may be helpful if students understand how air conditioners and other machines contribute to increases in air temperature.
It may benefit students to know what an "urban" area is and how it's different from a "suburban" or "rural" area.
Before watching the video, younger students may enjoy going outside and feeling the difference in heat between grass and asphalt sitting in the sun.
Teachers may need to address misconceptions and express to students that urban heat islands are not necessarily landforms surrounded by water.

Differentiation

Teachers can use this video as a conceptual introduction to climate change adaptation strategies focused on urban areas.
Older students can discuss how some groups, such as people of color or those in poverty, are disproportionately affected by the urban heat island effect and other effects of climate change.
To assess prior knowledge, the teacher can ask the class questions about urban heat islands before playing the video.
Using this video to build background knowledge, the teacher can explore other topics with students, such as waste heat and carbon sinks.
Some students may benefit from captions and slowing the video, as it has a lot of information presented quickly.

Scientist Notes

Teaching Tips

Standards

Resource Type and Format

Scientist Reviewed

This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.

Learn about our review process →

Related Teaching Resources

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

Cookie Preferences

What Makes Cities So Hot?

Synopsis

Teaching Materials

Scientist Reviewed

Related Teaching Resources