Heatwave safety
| Students profile/age of the student: | 6 -12 years old… |
| Connected subject in the curriculum | Science, Environmental |
| Skills and competencies to be developed | critical thinking, content knowledge, teamwork, listening skills, observation skills, visualization skills |
| Terminology, keywords | Heatwave, hydration, exposure |
| Materials needed: | Paper, Pencil |
| Materials offered | Additional links: https://childslife.ca/keep-kids-hydrated-safe-heatwave/ https://www.dosomething.org/us/facts/11-facts-about-heat-waves |
| The time needed for the activity | approx 30 minutes |
Description
Activity description, instructions for the teacher
This activity is all about safety when heat waves occur especially in summer. With the sources provided children will learn how to act in heat waves, how to cope with it, how to maintain their health, signs of dehydration…
The 11 facts you want are below, and the sources for the facts are at the very bottom of the page. After you learn something, Do Something! Find out how to take action here.
1. A heatwave is a prolonged period of excessive heat, often combined with excessive humidity.[1]
2. Excessive heat is determined by Heat Index Values. The heat index, also known as the apparent temperature, is what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature.[2]
3. Summers in North America is hot, meaning most parts of the US experience heat waves during the summer. The region east of the Rockies tend feel heat waves with high temperature and humidity.[3]
4. If your pet stays outdoors during extreme heat, make sure they have cold water and an area out of the sun where they can cool off. For pets, spending time in a hot car can be super dangerous. Hang signs to remind pet owners not to leave their furry friends in hot cars. Sign up for Hot Dogs.[4]
5. Extreme heat can cause cramps, swelling, and fainting.[5]
6. Heat waves kill more Americans than other natural disasters such as floods, lightning, tornadoes, and hurricanes.[6]
7. Young children and adults over the age of 65 are most likely to experience heat exhaustion or other heat-related illness.[7]
8. In July 1995, Chicago, Illinois experienced a heatwave that caused over 700 deaths. Scientists predict that the Midwest could endure similar heat waves up to 3 times a year by 2100 if greenhouse gas emissions continue to increase.[8]
9. Urban areas often experience higher temperatures during the summer, referred to as “Urban Heat Island.” This is due to buildings, roads, and other infrastructures absorbing solar energy, resulting in higher temperatures.[9]
10. Heatwaves can cause blackouts and power outages, especially in areas that experience the urban heat island effect.[10]
11. To stay hydrated during a heatwave, drink plenty of water and eat a salty snack to help replace the salt the body loses when it sweats.[11]
With this activity, students will learn facts regarding heat waves, dangers, and how to cope with them in everyday life like:
– What is a Heatwave?
– What are signs of dehydration
– How much water should you drink
– Sun exposure
– The Signs and Symptoms of Heat-Related Emergencies
– How to help in emergencies…
With your help, children will write down what they learned so they can implement it in everyday life.