Phoenix Urban Heat Island: Lesson 1 What might the data tell us?
by Lacey Merritt
Students will use published scientific data and current evidence to identify the phenomenon known an urban heat island effect. Students will first analyze temperature data as well as land-use data collected over the course of many decades to identify patterns and trends. Students then conduct short investigations on various surfaces and solar angles to assess and connect published data to their own. Using the evidence collected, students will construct a model of how current conditions impact the flow and transfer of energy over the decades.