TV on a Rolling Cart

What is a heat wave?

From Mystery Doug

What is a heat wave?
7 minK1st2nd3rd4th5thScience
access

Summary

Mystery Doug takes on a real kid's question -- "What is a heat wave?" -- and follows the clues. A heat wave is a long stretch of unusually hot weather, when high pressure traps warm air over an area for days. A quick five-minute watch to spark curiosity and kick off a conversation.

Viewer safety

All ages
Common Sense Media — not yet ratedIMDb Parents Guide — not yet rated

Our rating is a quick teacher-to-teacher guide — preview before showing.

Teaching resources

Discussion questions

Discussion

Doug investigates a question kids really asked: "What is a heat wave?"

  1. What was Doug's answer to today's question, in your own words?
  2. What surprised you most about heat wave, or what did you already know?
  3. What's one thing this makes you want to find out more about?

Quick work-a-long

Words to know: heat wave, weather, temperature.

Try it: Explain the answer to "What is a heat wave?" to someone at home using these three words, then write down one new question it made you wonder.