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Greenhouse in a Beaker

Provided by: Paleontological Research Institution |Published on: April 27, 2021

Videos Grades 6-8, 9-12

Synopsis

This video by the Paleontological Research Institution describes the concept of the greenhouse effect in an actual greenhouse and uses a simple experiment to demonstrate how carbon dioxide can absorb infrared radiation, leading to temperature increases in a system.
The experiment involves bubbling carbon dioxide from antacid tablets into a glass jar and measuring the temperature change over time as a heat lamp shines on it and a control jar.

Related Teaching Resources

Subjects: Chemistry, Earth and Space Sciences

Authors: Paleontological Research Institution

Region: Global

Languages: English

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Teaching Materials

Positives

The narrator describes all components of the experiment, easily allowing a teacher to replicate this same set-up in their classroom.
The graph in this video gives students a quick look at the results.

Prerequisites

Students should be familiar with the concept that Earth's atmosphere allows some radiation to pass through and other types are absorbed, resulting in temperature changes.
Students should be familiar with terms like visible light, infrared radiation, and wavelength.

Differentiation & Implementation

Consider having students draw a diagram of the experiment, including an explanation of how the experiment demonstrates the greenhouse effect.
To dive deeper into the science of the greenhouse effect and climate change, high school students may benefit from this interactive, online lesson: Heating it Up: The Chemistry of the Greenhouse Effect.
Teachers can use this video to discuss the scientific process and the importance of a control group.

Scientist Notes

Teaching Tips

Standards

Resource Type and Format

About the Partner Provider

Paleontological Research Institution

Paleontological Research Institution (PRI) is a national leader in Earth systems science education. They strive to help make sense of the present and potential future climate change, while also increasing understanding of global change in Earth’s past. Their programs focus on systems thinking, understanding scale and learning in your own backyard.

Related Teaching Resources

All resources can be used for your educational purposes with proper attribution to the content provider.