Even if students have heard of the greenhouse effect, they may not fully understand how the process works. Have them use materials you have provided and the Internet to research the greenhouse effect. CO 2 is given off by green plants. The burning of certain fuels, such as the gas used by cars, creates excess CO 2 . Tell them that they are going to create their own model greenhouses to observe the greenhouse effect firsthand.
Examples are cars with nontinted windows or rooms with large window areas.
Create the structure. Measure and record the changing temperatures within the structure over a 24-hour period. Allow time for groups to plan and design their greenhouses, cautioning students to plan structures that will require only materials that can be easily obtained at home or in school. Group members should collect the materials they will need that afternoon and bring them to school the following day, when they will build their structures. When each group has built its greenhouse, have students take and record the temperature inside the greenhouse.