Greenhouse in a Beaker
Videos
Grades6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12Chemistry, Earth and Space Sciences
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Provided by Paleontological Research Institution
What it is
- 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 tips
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.
From the scientist review
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.
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