Public Schools in Urban Heat Islands
Provided by: Climate Central|Published on: November 26, 2025|Last updated: September 26, 2026
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Type: Articles/Websites
Subjects: Geography, Health
Authors: Climate Central
Location: North America > United States
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
- In this article from Climate Central, students will read about the urban heat island effect, look at graphs showing how the built environment affects temperatures experienced by students in public schools, and watch a brief video.
- Students will learn that many students in cities across the U.S. will experience temperatures warmer than those in rural areas and how extreme heat affects human health.
Teaching Materials
Positives
- The graphs, text, and video provide multiple entry points for learners with different preferences.
- This issue is close to home for many students, making relevant engagement in the topic possible.
Prerequisites
- Students should understand that climate change can cause more extreme heat days and that building materials and a lack of trees and shade can increase temperatures in cities.
Differentiation & Implementation
- Teachers can begin by having students interpret the graphs and write down what comes to mind as they look at them.
- As an extension, teachers can use this video to discuss how extreme heat and other climate change impacts affect health.
- Some students may benefit from a more in-depth explanation of urban heat islands. This video may provide a helpful explanation for students.
- This resource can be used to make connections to the Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 3, Good Health and Well-Being, and SDG 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities.
This resource details a study of schools in America’s 65 largest cities, focusing on the urban heat island effect. Sources are linked directly in the text, with many citations from peer-reviewed journals. Raw data is available for download, and results are presented in clear interactive maps. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
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.
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