Analyzing the Urban Heat Island Effect

City of New York

This activity covers the causes, effects, and mitigation of urban heat in New York City. Students use data sets, graphs, maps and images to create their own plan for mitigation in their area. Robust satellite images, city data, tables, maps, and graphs are included in the resource for students to explore.

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Notes from our reviewers

The CLEAN collection is hand-picked and rigorously reviewed for scientific accuracy and classroom effectiveness. Read what our review team had to say about this resource below or learn more about how CLEAN reviews teaching materials.

Resource materials are robust and extensive. Teachers may want to structure the learning for efficient use of classroom time. Projects are open ended, creative and appropriate for the grade level. This activity could be used as an example that can get extended to 'what is happening in your area' for other cities. For rural students, instructors could focus on built areas of the local environment or explore what happens in nearby cities that students may be more familiar with. This activity (or extending it to the local community) could be used in a science club/science night as part of a community educational project.
This resource addresses the Urban Heat Island effect. It has minimal background information on the subject and only briefly describes the science behind the effect. Students should have a basic understanding of surface energy balance, albedo, and evapotranspiration. The activity itself uses remote sensing data to answer key questions about the Urban Heat Island effect. It is not clearly stated as to why the temperature difference is greater at night and how concrete and impermeable surfaces cause the temperatures to rise. Also, the albedo effect is mentioned but not discussed in details. Teachers may need to fill in some of this background information. Passed initial science review - expert science review pending.
This activity offers several ways for students to interact with the Urban Heat Island effect. These instructions would work well for a higher level class. For lower levels, the teacher will have to be more specific given the outline provided. This allows for creativity. This resource has a hands-on component where students can use real NASA data to explore New York City. Materials are specific for New York City, but can be adapted for other areas. Students use data sets, graphs, maps and images to create their own plan for mitigation in their area. Observation, data analysis, critical thinking, decision making, and communications skills are developed.
Teacher guide is clear and comprehensive with alternate ideas for discussion and projects. Multiple links to additional resources and information are included. Teachers may want to structure (or limit) which resources students access to maintain an efficient classroom timeline. This activity could be implemented in an online classroom.