A CAROLINA ESSENTIALS ACTIVITY

Urban Heat Islands Effect on Global Temperature

What factors have contributed to the rise
in global temperatures over the past century?

Introduction

As human population has increased, manufacturing has increased, so has milage of paved roads, the numbers of concrete structures, and area of dark roof tops. Vegetation has been removed to make way for urbanization. How have these changes affected the amount of solar energy/heat energy absorbed on Earth’s surface? Do buildings and roads absorb and reflect the same amount of heat energy trees and water do? How does the amount of solar energy reflected by objects effect the temperature of an area? These are a few questions that need to be investigated to better understand changes in global temperature. In this activity, students will research changes in the miles of paved roads in the US and changes in population of urban centers. Research will continue with a quick investigation of infrared surface temperatures, (albedo, if you wish to introduce the concept) on the school campus, comparing the heat absorbed and reflected by a variety of surfaces. Students will analyze the data gathered and ask two research, (testable) questions on the heat island effect that you wish to pursue. They need to complete some reading on heat islands and albedo (optional).

Depending on resources and time, students can continue with independent research on their own question, or the class can crowd-source data to answer a single, class-selected question.

Phenomenon

This is a thermal image and vegetative image of New York City. Notice the scales at the bottom of each image. What temperature/vegetation patterns can you find in the photos?

Essential Question

What factors have contributed to the rise in global temperatures over the past century?

Activity Objectives

Complete research to determine the change in miles of paved roads in the US.
Complete research to determine the change in urban population in the US.
Ask a testable research question to investigate the phenomenon of heat islands.

Next Generation Science Standards* (NGSS)

PE: MS-ESS3-5. Ask questions to clarify evidence of the factors that have caused the rise in global temperatures over the past century.

SCIENCE & ENGINEERING PRACTICES

Asking Questions and Defining Problems

DISCIPLINARY CORE IDEA

ESS3.D: Global Climate Change

Human activities, such as the release of greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels, are the major factors in the current rise in Earth’s mean surface temperature (global warming). Reducing the level of climate change and reducing human vulnerability to whatever climate changes do occur depend on the understanding of climate science, engineering capabilities, and other kinds of knowledge, such as understanding of human behavior and on applying that knowledge wisely in decisions and activities.

CROSSCUTTING CONCEPTS

Stability and Change

Materials Needed

Recommended Safety

Select and inspect areas on the school grounds before taking students to gather IR data. Minimize all safety concerns.

Teacher Prep and Disposal

Copy or upload the student activity guide and schedule computer time if needed. Select safe and easily accessible sites with a variety of surfaces for students to collect IR temperature data.

Student Procedures

Complete online research to gather data on the changes in total miles of paved roads in the U.S. and the total number of people living in urban areas.
Record the sources of information you used.
Get an infrared themometer and take the temperature of a black piece of paper and a white piece of paper.
Select 5-10 different sites, as your teacher instructs. Make sure to test a variety of surfaces, concrete, asphalt, grass, leaf litter, shade, full sun, dark colors, light colors, black and white.
Review the data and generate 2 testable questions, that when answered, could help establish the effect surface type and color, miles of pavement, and population may have on the phenomenon of heat islands and changes in global temperatures.
Complete further research as your teacher directs.

Teacher Preparation and Tips

Download and post or print the student activity guide.
Arrange for internet time if needed.
Have students read https://scied.ucar.edu/learning-zone/climate-change-impacts/urban-heat-islands while online.
Select safe places, with a variety of surface types and colors for students to gather data. Have black and white paper available to test. Paper testing should be completed before going to test sites to ensure student can use the IR thermometer correctly.
Optional: Share class IR data to increase the size and variety of surfaces tested.
Have a class discussion about the questions students generate to investigate heat islands.
Inform students if they will be investigating their own question or a class question.
Set parameters for continued research into heat islands and their effect on changes in global temperature.

Data and Observations

Data

Heat Islands and Global Temperature Change

Data from the DOT can be found here: https://www.bts.gov/content/public-road-and-street-mileage-united-states-type-surfacea Students should use “paved, total”.

Analysis and Discussion

Analysis

What patterns do you see in miles of paved road and numbers of people living in urban areas? Student data will vary. Roads (access to urban areas/urban sprawl) have increased and so has the number of people living in urban areas.
What patterns do you see in IR temperature data based on site characteristics? Student data will vary.

Discussion

Review the data and generate 2 testable questions, that when answered, could help establish the effect surface type and color, miles of pavement, and population may have on the phenomenon of heat islands and changes in global temperatures. Student questions will vary. Look for testable questions that require scientific investigation not a question that can be answered by looking it up.
Complete further research as your teacher directs.

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STC-Middle School™, STC³ Edition: Ecosystems and Their Interactions Replacement Parts

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*Next Generation Science Standards® is a registered trademark of Achieve. Neither Achieve nor the lead states and partners that developed the Next Generation Science Standards were involved in the production of this product, and do not endorse it.

Urban Heat Islands Effect on Global Temperature

Introduction

Phenomenon

Essential Question

Activity Objectives