Description:
Greenhouse gases are those that prevent the radiant energy of Earth from escaping our atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is needed for life here on Earth, but it is one of those gases labeled as causing the greenhouse effect. Usually the carbon dioxide given off in respiration and the carbon dioxide used by photosynthesis are in balance, but extensive burning of fossil fuels is causing an increase in the release of carbon dioxide. To show the effects of burning fossil fuels on the atmosphere, students do a simple activity involving a candle burned inside a large, clear jar with temperature and CO2 probes inserted. (Another large pickle jar with the same probes filled with regular atmospheric air serves as a control.) A sunlamp is directed on both jars and both CO2 and temperature are recorded for 30-45 minutes. The lamp is shut off and the CO2 and temperature are again recorded for 30-45 minutes. Students average their results and discuss them as well as the greater significance of global warming for human populations.

This activity is part of a series called, "Effects of Phytoplankton on Water and Air." Complete list of activity titles in the series:

• Secret Agents of Dissolved Oxygen
• Carbon Dioxide: The Heat is On
• Smog Be Gone

It appears advisable to conduct these activities in sequence. All of them can be found at: http://tea.rice.edu/tea_classroommaterials.html

This activity is under development. Teachers can participate in the review process by going to the activity site on the Internet (see URL above). Scroll down to, "We look forward to hearing from you! Please review this activity" and click on that sentence.

Organization:
Teachers Experiencing Antarctica and the Arctic, Funded by the National Science Foundation

URL:
http://tea.rice.edu/activity/tea_activity_heat_is_on.html

Contact:
Email: glacier@tea.rice.edu; http://tea.rice.edu/

Cost:
Free over the Internet

Education Level:
Grades 9-12

Subject:
Atmosphere
Carbon Dioxide
Chemistry
Global Warming
Greenhouse Effect
Polar Regions

Resource Type:
Internet Site
Curriculum/Instructional Materials

Date Added to teachearth.com:
5/1/00