This 3D installation is designed to teach kids about the urban heat island effect and the thermal properties of different materials found in cities, such as asphalt, concrete, and grass. The tabletop display simulates a miniature city using real materials that absorb heat, including asphalt streets, concrete buildings, and a variety of roof types, alongside green areas like grass, lakes, and trees.

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Key Features:

• Heat Lamp Simulation:
  • A heat lamp mimics the sun, radiating heat over the miniature city to show how different surfaces absorb and retain heat.
• Thermal Camera Display:
  • A thermal camera connected to a real-time screen displays the surface temperatures of the materials, making the heat differences between asphalt, concrete, and green areas visible.
• Interactive Learning:
  • Kids can spray water on the materials and observe how the thermal properties change, visually demonstrating the cooling effects of water and plants on urban environments.

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The 3D Urban Heat Island Display provides a hands-on learning experience, highlighting the significant heat retention of urban surfaces like asphalt compared to the cooling effects of greenery, helping kids understand the importance of green spaces in cities.