Modeling the Greenhouse Effect

Standard VI

Students will understand the source and distribution of energy on Earth and its effects on Earth systems.

Objective 01

Describe the transformation of solar energy into heat and chemical energy on Earth and eventually the radiation of energy to space.

Indicator a

Predict the effects of plate movement on other Earth systems (e.g., volcanic eruptions affect weather, mountain building diverts waterways, uplift changes elevation that alters plant and animal diversity, upwelling from ocean vents results in changes in biomass).

Indicator c

Investigate the conversion of light energy from the sun into heat energy by various Earth materials.

Indicator d

Demonstrate how absorbed solar energy eventually leaves the Earth system as heat radiating to space.

Indicator e

Construct a model that demonstrates the reduction of heat loss due to a greenhouse effect.

Indicator f

Research global changes and relate them to Earth systems (e.g., global warming, solar fluctuations).

Intended Learning Outcomes:

  1. Use Science Process and Thinking Skills
    1. Observe objects, events and patterns and record both qualitative and quantitative information.
    2. Use comparisons to help understand observations and phenomena.
    3. Evaluate, sort, and sequence data according to given criteria.
    4. Select and use appropriate technological instruments to collect and analyze data.
    5. Plan and conduct experiments in which students may:
      • Identify a problem.
      • Formulate research questions and hypotheses.
      • Predict results of investigations based upon prior data.
      • Identify variables and describe the relationships between them.
      • Plan procedures to control independent variables.
      • Collect data on the dependent variable(s).
      • Select the appropriate format (e.g., graph, chart, diagram) and use it to summarize the data obtained.
      • Analyze data, check it for accuracy and construct reasonable conclusions.
      • Prepare written and oral reports of investigations.
    6. Develop and use classification systems.
    7. Construct models, simulations and metaphors to describe and explain natural phenomena.
    8. Use mathematics as a precise method for showing relationships.

Summary:

The student will model the greenhouse effect and draw conclusions about global warming.

Materials:

  1. Two clear plastic storage boxes
  2. Soil to fill the bottom of each box to a depth of about 3 cm.
  3. Cardboard
  4. Two laboratory thermometers
  5. Heat lamp
  6. Clear plastic wrap

Sequence and duration of each part of lesson:

Time: 30 minutes

Procedure:

  1. Fill the bottom of the each storage box with about 3 cm of soil.
  2. Into each box insert a stiff piece of cardboard into the soil at about half the length of the box.
  3. Use the cardboard to prop up the thermometer. The bulb of the thermometer should be facing up.
  4. Cover one box with plastic wrap and leave the other uncovered.
  5. Place both boxes underneath the heat lamp so that they are equidistant from the heat lamp.
  6. Record the temperature in both boxes.
  7. Turn on the heat lamp and wait 10 minutes.
  8. Turn off the heat lamp and record the temperature in both boxes.

Concept Generalization:

  1. How did the temperatures differ between the covered box and the uncovered box?
  2. What energy conversion was occurring in both boxes?
  3. Assuming the same amount of energy was in both boxes, why were their temperatures different?
  4. Which box would you say was most like the sun shining on the earth's atmosphere and why do you think that?
  5. The effect on the covered box is called the greenhouse effect. Draw a model of what you think is occurring.

Application:

  1. What is the 'cover' on the atmosphere? Why doesn't heat escape into space?
  2. Knowing what you know about heat energy, explain why you think temperature at higher elevations is usually cooler?
  3. In the earth's atmosphere carbon dioxide is one of the gasses that traps heat. Plants remove carbon dioxide from the air and replace it with oxygen. Burning of fuel produces carbon dioxide. What kinds of things are we doing on our planet that could cause the planet to heat up?
  4. The possibility of earth temperatures increasing is called global warming. Why would an increase in average earth temperature be a problem? What effects could it have on other earth systems?