Human Impact and the Creation of Urban Heat Islands

Overview

Using interactive maps, students will identify and describe the relationship between land cover classification and surface temperature as it relates to the urban heat island effect. Students will also identify patterns between population density and the locations of urban heat islands in order to describe how urbanization has contributed to the urban heat island effect.

This interactive model is one of a three-part sequence of learning experiences related to the Creation of Urban Heat Islands. To maximize optimal learning outcomes, it is suggested to complete the series in the following order:

1. Human Impact and the Creation of Urban Heat Islands Interactive Model (current page)
2. Patterns in Earth's Surface Temperature Interactive Model
3. Exploring the Tradeoffs of Surface Temperature Models

Teacher Note

Learning Objectives

• Students will analyze and describe the relationship between land cover classification and surface (skin) temperature.
• Students will describe the pattern between population density and the location of urban heat islands.

Essential Questions

• How is population density related to the location of urban heat islands?
• What is the relationship between land cover type and surface (skin) temperature?
• Describe how urbanization has contributed to the urban heat island effect. 

Materials Required

• Computer/Tablet
• Internet Access
• Google Form (optional)
• Link to Human Impact and the Creation of Urban Heat Islands Interactive Model

Teacher Answer Key

Teachers who are interested in receiving the answer key, please complete the Teacher Key Request and Verification Form. We verify that requestors are teachers prior to sending access to the answer keys as we’ve had many students try to pass as teachers to gain access.

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