Make a Mini Greenhouse
Background
The greenhouse effect is the rise in temperature that the earth experiences because certain gases in the atmosphere trap heat energy from the sun. These gases are released when fossil fuels are burned for energy. Without these gases, heat would escape back into space.
Because of how they warm our world, these gases are referred to as
Why is global warming bad? It can cause glaciers to melt and add water to the oceans. It can change weather patterns, causing droughts and floods. It can alter plant and animal habitats, forcing animals to move or die out. Hotter and colder temperatures, and then the need for more energy use, will also affect humans!
To understand how the greenhouse effect works, try this experiment in which you build a mini greenhouse.
Materials
- 2 large glass bottles or jars the same size
- One piece of plastic wrap (or a recycled plastic bag!)
- One rubber band
- 4 ice cubes all the same size
- Optional: two thermometers that will fit inside the bottles.
- A printout of this experiment
- A pencil
Directions and Observations
- Place two ice cubes and the optional thermometer in each bottle. If you are using thermometers, record the temperature in each bottle:
- Cover the mouth of one bottle with the plastic and fasten it in place with the rubber band. Leave the other bottle open.
- Predict which ice cubes will melt faster in a sunny spot, and why:
- Predict whether the temperature in each bottle will be different:
- Place the two bottles side-by-side in a warm, sunny place. Time how long it takes for the ice to melt in each bottle. If you are using thermometers, check the temperatures in each bottle when the ice begins to melt. Record the times and the temperatures here:
- Were your predictions correct? Why/why not?
Conclusions
1. Did one bottle of ice melt faster than the other? Why?
2. How are your observations related to the transfer of radiant energy?
3. How are your observations related to the greenhouse effect?