Green and Cool Roofs

• This article details the use of green roofs and cool roofs as a climate solution, providing the amount of carbon emissions prevented by 2050 and the benefits to the environment more broadly. 
• Students will learn the difference between green and cool roofs, how adoption rates can affect the carbon reduction, and the economic costs and benefits of using more green and cool roofs.

Positives

• This scientific article is a wealth of information regarding the net positives of green and cool roofs.
• Despite the density of the information provided, students will find it easy to digest due to the structure of the resource and the breakdown of the information under specific subheadings. 

Additional Prerequisites

• Students should understand how carbon emissions are connected to global warming and climate change.
• Students should be familiar with the format of a scientific paper.
  

Differentiation

• Cross-curricular connections can be made in math classes that are using real-world data to complete calculations, or in language arts classes gathering evidence for argumentative writing. 
• Engineering and science students can use this article to support a research project or climate action project to encourage the adoption of cool or green roofs in their community.
• As an extension, have students research buildings in their neighborhoods that may already have green or cool roofs. This can be done on Google Earth. If none exist, have them evaluate which buildings would most benefit from adopting a green or cool roof, or those that could also incorporate solar panels, solar hot water, or a rooftop garden.

This resource addresses the listed standards. To fully meet standards, search for more related resources.