Global Warming and The Greenhouse Effect Lab Activity

What affects global warming?

• Pre- and post-laboratory assessments included
• Links to newsworthy and current topics
• Estimated lab time requirement: 180 minutes over two or three days
• Enough material for five setups
• Assessments and vocabulary words target common core standards
• Aligned to NGSS standards (MS/HS: ESS2, ESS3, LS1, LS4)

Using a plastic “greenhouse” and various other materials, students study the causes of global warming. This activity helps students investigate the effect of different surfaces on heat absorption and greenhouse gases and suggests possible ways to reduce the greenhouse effect on our planet. It allows students to explore NGSS Earth/Life Science DCIs ESS2, ESS3, LS1, and LS4. The kit also includes an optional demonstration that examines carbon dioxide’s absorption of infrared radiation compared to air.

This kit aligns with all published National Standards. Pre and post-laboratory assessments and vocabulary words target specific Science and Engineering Practices and Common Core standards. The teacher's guide also contains specific “Did You Know” concepts that link the real world with the scientific standards explored. The kit includes enough materials for five setups. Activity One takes around 90 minutes, and Activity Two takes two days.

The kit is also available for purchase with a link to a NewPath digital lesson, which includes a variety of resources on the topic, including background information, illustrations and self-assessments.

Ordering information: This activity includes 5 transparent plastic containers with lids, 5 lab thermometers, black sand, white sand, a teacher’s guide, and a student guide. A clamp lamp with 150W bulb, support stand, plastic vial or stand for a thermometer, spray bottle with water, ruler or meter stick, stopwatch, and a set of colored pencils are needed but not included.