Greenhouse in a Beaker
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Provided by: Paleontological Research Institution|Published on: April 27, 2021
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Scientist Reviewed This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
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.
Subjects: Chemistry, Earth and Space Sciences
Authors: Paleontological Research Institution
Region: Global
Languages: English
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
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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.
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
