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About Heat Islands

Buildings and structures all around us absorb and re-emit the sun’s heat. In urban areas, this phenomenon - also known as the urban thermal effect - creates “heat islands” where daytime temperatures can reach 7°F higher in locations surrounded by concrete buildings and structures compared to green spaces.* This phenomenon can also be found in non-urban areas with a high concentration of concrete strucures.

*https://www.epa.gov/heatislands/learn-about-heat-islands

Research in Action

A community of educators and student scientists in Atlanta, Georgia are using PocketLab sensors to measure urban heat islands in their communities and study the effects of this climate difference across the city. This study was also replicated at a high school in Thomas County, Georgia, where Dr. Scott Sweeting, Science Instructional Coordinator, said "The relevancy of science for [the students] has multiplied." 

About Air Quality at School

Have you ever considered the air quality outside your school during pick-up and drop-off time? An idling line of vehicles with engines running collectively and within a small time frame can change the air quality and affect everyone in the area. 

Research in Action

Using PocketLab Air sensors and PocketLab Notebook digital lab software, students can measure and analyze the effect of this in their own school. Read more about student scientists in Florida who measured the air outside their school, collected data and shared their findings.