Students will analyze a line graph that shows how the surface temperature and air temperature values change over the course of 24 hours.

By investigating the data presented in a model that displays extreme summer air temperatures, students explain energy transfer in the Earth system and consider the impact of excessive heat on local communities.

Examine (daytime) surface temperature and solar radiation received at locations found near similar latitudes using NASA Data.

What is the atmosphere and why is it important?

This resource helps to identify and access GLOBE protocols and hands-on learning activities that complement the Urban Heat Island Effect phenomenon. 

GLOBE protocols can be used to collect many types of data to examine urban heat islands and their effects on the environment. Students can use the protocols to collect data and share their data with other GLOBE students around the world. Students can also conduct their own investigations and see how their data related to global patterns by using GLOBE and My NASA Data together.

Explore and connect to the GLOBE Weather protocol bundle. 

Students observe the surface temperatures of a variety of surface types found in a suburban environment.

Students will analyze how surface (skin) temperatures vary across a community and determine what factors contribute to this variation. Students will describe how human activity can affect the local environment. 

Students analyze Landsat images of Atlanta, Georgia to explore the relationship between surface temperature and vegetation.

Students interpret a graph of surface temperatures taken from city districts and other types of communities.