Human Activities and Climate Assessment

What natural processes do trees contribute to in urban areas to cool the climate?

• increasing the heat energy in cities

• releasing moisture through evapotranspiration and providing shade

• absorbing excess moisture from the air

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Which activity leads to the release of industrial gases that trap more heat than natural greenhouse gases?

• cutting down trees for timber

• having livestock, like cows, within city limits

• using devices like air conditions

Why is deforestation considered a significant factor in climate change?

• A. It removes carbon sinks like forests.

• B. It leads to more greenhouse gas emissions from animals.

• C. It increases the natural evaporation process.

How do greenhouse gases influence Earth’s climate?

• A. by trapping some of the energy reflected back to space

• B. by shrinking the size of Earth's atmosphere

• C. by creating extreme temperatures in space

What is urbanization?

• the long-term weather pattern in a given area

• the cutting of forested areas the size of a football field

• the steady growth of cities and the population living in cities

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

Why might human activity make Earth’s climate hotter?

• A. Driving cars adds to the amount of greenhouse gas in the atmosphere, trapping radiant energy.

• B. Putting in green roofs reflect heat, prevent water runoff, absorb carbon dioxide, and act as natural insulators for the building.

• C. Planting trees gives shade and releases moisture through evapotranspiration.

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

NGSS.MS-ESS3-5

What are some reasons for deforestation? Select ALL that apply.

• Trees are cleared to use the land for livestock, agriculture, and growing crops.

• Trees are cut down to allow natural wind flow through the urban areas.

• Trees are cleared to use the land for development like houses, schools, and stores.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

What are some examples of greenhouse gases?

• methane

• oxygen

• carbon dioxide

As a project, students are working to design a city that has a reduced influence on

increasing temperatures.

Each partner suggested a design to offset the effects of urbanization.

Phillip: Place flower beds in front of large buildings and have at least one fifth of the

buildings with green roofs.

Anna: Use light-colored pavement and tall buildings.

Which design would absorb carbon dioxide and act as a natural insulator?

• Anna’s design to use light-colored pavement to reduce heat absorption.

• Phillip’s design to have green roofs.

• Anna’s design to have tall buildings to block sunlight and wind.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-4

As a project, students are working to design a city that has a reduced influence on

increasing temperatures.

Each partner suggested a design to offset the effects of urbanization.

Phillip: Place flower beds in front of large buildings and have at least one fifth of the

buildings with green roofs.

Anna: Use light-colored pavement and tall buildings.How do the suggested designs reduce the contribution to heat islands?

• Anna’s use of light-colored pavement would reduce the amount of heat energy absorbed compared to dark, paved surfaces.

• Phillip’s suggestion to plant flowers would reduce the amount of evaporation.

• Phillip’s suggestion of green roofs would act as a sink to absorb all the greenhouse gases.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-4