High school students, as scientists, use science ideas about human impacts on Earth’s systems to answer the following driving question: How does where you live affect your risk of heat-wave-related death? Students analyze data about heat-wave related death rates in the United States, pose questions, and decide to investigate why cities have higher heat-wave death rates than rural or suburban areas. Students obtain and evaluate information and analyze data about the urban heat island effect. Students then use a graphic organizer to organize their thinking about the disparity in the heat-wave death rate between urban areas and suburban areas. Students use this information, as well as their understanding of social and cultural impacts, to select and research a heat-wave mitigation strategy. Students also outline a test they would use to determine if their mitigation plan reduces heat-related deaths.

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Student Materials

Per Student

• Heat Waves Student Guide

Per Small Group (2 to 4 students)

• HESI L1 Thinking in Causation Slide Blank

Teacher Materials

• The Wonder of Science: Thinking in Causation: Level 6 Causation and Correlation
• Sample Student Response: HESI L1 Thinking in Causation Slide Sample Student Work