Greenhouse in a Beaker
Provided by: Paleontological Research Institution|Published on: April 27, 2021|Last updated: September 26, 2026
Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Type: Videos
Subjects: Chemistry, Earth and Space Sciences
Authors: Paleontological Research Institution
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 →
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.
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.
This resource exemplifies the scientific method by conducting an empirical, reproducible experiment. Atmospheric carbon dioxide has risen unnaturally since the onset of the Industrial Revolution and is the leading cause of climate change. This experiment demonstrates how the greenhouse effect works in the atmosphere. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
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.
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