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How Urban Heat Impacts Communities of Color

Provided by: NowThis Earth |Published on: April 27, 2021

Videos Grades 6-8, 9-12

Synopsis

This video from NowThis Earth explains urban heat and its impact on various communities of color in Phoenix, Arizona.
Students learn about urban heat islands, mean radiant temperature, redlining, and environmental racism.

Subjects: History, Geography

Authors: NowThis Earth

Region: Arizona

Languages: English

Positives

The video contains graphics that aid understanding of the video.
Teacher Reggie Carrillo's story and passion for this issue are incredibly moving.

Prerequisites

Students should understand that concrete surfaces absorb and radiate more heat than surfaces covered with plants.

Differentiation & Implementation

Teachers can use this video to introduce environmental racism to 6th-8th graders.
History teachers can use this video to explain the effects, history, and causes of redlining. Middle school teachers wanting to teach this concept can use the Redlining and Environmental Racism Lesson.
Science teachers can refer to the section between 0:28-1:05 to describe mean radiant temperature.
Click here for a time-lapse video on Tokyo’s heat island effect.
Click here for a lesson plan about tree inequity in cities.
Click here for a video on the benefits of urban trees.

Scientist Notes

Teaching Tips

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Resource Type and Format