Investigating Heat Islands
Provided by: LabXchange|Published on: September 6, 2026
Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Type: Lesson Plans
Subjects: Earth and Space Sciences, Health
Authors: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Region: United States, Texas
Languages: English
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This five-level module uses Houston, Texas as a case study to investigate why surface and air temperatures vary within a city, introducing infrared radiation, albedo, transpiration, and the urban heat island effect.
- Students analyze infrared imagery, surface temperature and land cover maps, and air temperature data, examine how heat and the heat index affect human health and who is most at risk, and design a solution to help cool communities.
Teaching Materials
Preparation:
- Have a plan for how students will record on the worksheets and hand it in, if necessary.
- Review the teacher guide to be paired with the module.
Prerequisites:
- Ensure students are familiar with calculating the range and mean of a dataset.
Classroom Implementation:
- Consider using this in a flipped classroom model, in which students complete a level of the interactive as homework and discuss their findings in class.
Extensions:
- Assign students different areas of the community to take temperature data on and create a community heat map.
Sustainable Development Goals Connections:
- Use this resource to make connections to SDG 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 13, Climate Action.
Scientist's Note:
- Connects the urban heat island effect to urban planning and design, focusing on sustainable and equitable development for all residents.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
About the Partner Provider
LabXchange
Harvard University’s LabXchange is a free online platform for science education, created with support from the Amgen Foundation. It makes learning science online flexible and fun, with interactives, lab simulations, and more.
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
