Greenhouse Effect

Greenhouse Effect

Recreating the Greenhouse Effect

The Earth's climate has changed many times in the past. Subtropical forests have spread from the south into more temperate (or milder, cooler climates) areas. Millions of years later, ice sheets spread from the north covering much of the northern United States, Europe and Asia with great glaciers. Today, nearly all scientists believe human beings are changing the climate. How can that be?

Over the past few centuries, people have been burning more amounts of fuels such as wood, coal, oil, natural gas and gasoline. The gases formed by the burning, such as carbon dioxide, are building up in the atmosphere. They act like greenhouse glass. The result, experts believe, is that the Earth heating up and undergoing global warming. How can you show the greenhouse effect?

1. Two identical glass jars
2. 4 cups cold water
3. 10 ice cubes
4. One clear plastic bag
5. Thermometer

Take two identical glass jars each containing 2 cups of cold water.
Add 5 ice cubes to each jar.
Wrap one in a plastic bag (this is the greenhouse glass).
Leave both jars in the sun for one hour.
Measure the temperature of the water in each jar.