Global Warming: A Demontration Chris Pickral Chris Pickral Earth Science Gretna High School

SOL Addressed b ES 12 d,e b the student will investigate and understand the origin and evolution of the atmosphere and the interrelationship of geologic processes, biologic processes, and human activities on its composition and dynamics

Experimental Objectives b Discuss the greenhouse effect and impact of human activity on atmosphere b use a model to learn about the greenhouse effect b discuss experimental and control setups and explain their significance

Objectives continued b record the data obtained for both setups b graph the change in temperature over time in both experimental and control setups

Materials per group b light source b two plastic liter bottles b scissors b tape b Parafilm b two Logger Pro temperature probes b rubber band

Materials continued b rubber band b permanent marker b two weights ~ water-filled flasks b two thin pieces of cardboard

Procedure 1. Cut the liter bottles in half and label one “control” and the other “experimental” setup. Place the temperature probes inside the bottles, and tape a thin piece of cardboard over the end of the probes to shield the probe from the light. 2. Place a piece of Parafilm over the “experimental” bottle, and secure in place with a rubber band. 2. Place a piece of Parafilm over the “experimental” bottle, and secure in place with a rubber band.

Procedure continued 3. Place the bottles the same distance from the light source, making sure that the probes are oriented in the same position relative to the light source. 4. Read the probes every two minutes, always reading the same thermometer first.

Procedure continued 5. Record your data on the data table. 6. Graph the data. Be sure to label which graph is control, which is experimental.

Assessments b students should place their bottles where they will not be disturbed and where they will not be shaded before the data have been collected b students should be sure that any label that has not been removed is on the side away from the light source

Assessments continued b students should place some type of weight in the bottom of their bottles to support the temperature probes

Assessments continued b students should be able to conclude from their graphs that the conditions depicted in the experimental setup create a warmer environment b students should be able to list factors that contribute to the global warming b students should be able to include in their discussion a list of greenhouse gases

Assessments continued Red line represents control setup Blue line represents experimental setup