Questions for ‘6 surprising science-backed ways to beat the heat’ 

To accompany ‘6 surprising science-backed ways to beat the heat’

SCIENCE

Before Reading:

1. What are some ways that our bodies regulate body temperature? Give one example of a biological response to extreme heat. Give one example of a biological response to extreme cold.
2. Imagine choosing clothes for a very hot day. Consider what kinds of clothes would keep you the coolest. Describe three clothing choices that you think would help keep you cool. For instance, you could describe the degree of coverage, the fabric type, the fit or other choices that would likely help keep you cooler.

During Reading:

1. What are some symptoms of heat-related illness?
2. Besides providing shade, what is another mechanism by which plants help cool their environment?
3. How did the average surface temperatures of plant-free balconies compare with the temperatures of balconies with plants? Give your answer in degrees Celsius.
4. What is one example of an ideal textile fiber choice for keeping cool on a hot day? What is an example of a poor fiber choice for a hot day?
5. Give an example of how hair texture can affect body temperature.
6. Explain why a wet cloth or cooling bandana covering the neck can help keep the body temperature in a safe range on hot days. In your answer, focus on the physiology of the neck.
7. What is menthol? Why is menthol relevant to this story?
8. Minty flavors can make us feel cooler. What is a potential risk of relying on mint for comfort on hot days?
9. What added benefit might sports drinks offer over regular water for an active person on a hot day?
10. What is a potential downside of over-reliance on sports drinks over water for hydration?

After Reading:

1. Besides moderating temperature, what is another potential benefit of adding indoor plants to your home or bedroom? After reading this story, are you very likely, moderately likely or unlikely to add plants in or around your living space? Explain your answer.
2. Describe how traditional clothing choices in the Middle East help regulate body temperature. Then, compare this approach to your answer to Question #2 in Before Reading. Does your choice of clothing generally align with or deviate from the Middle Eastern approach? Explain your answer.
3. Pick one of the ideas in this story that you might apply to your approach for managing high temperatures in the summer. Give an example of how you might adjust your current habits to incorporate this idea. You need not commit to making this change, but be specific about how you would actually go about making this change if you were to give it a try. (If you choose to expand upon one of the ideas addressed in either Question #1 or #2 of After Reading, be sure to answer with a new angle. In other words, avoid re-phrasing a previous answer.)