This is a user-friendly greenhouse effect lab for a human impact on the environment unit or weather unit! This lab uses easy-to-obtain supplies and results in dramatic results that clearly demonstrate the greenhouse effect. We have simplified some of the more common – yet complicated – labs out there to make our lab straightforward and easy to follow for middle school students. (We also simplified the supplies list!)
This lab corresponds perfectly with our Greenhouse Effect Reading!
In this activity, students will:
- Read a quick introduction to the greenhouse effect
- Write a hypothesis
- Follow the simple procedure and record results in the data table
- Graph data on a provided graph
- Write a conclusion
- Answer analysis questions
At the end of this greenhouse effect lab, students will conclude that the greenhouse effect leads to increased temperatures.
Supply List:
- Thermometers
- Beakers or cups
- Lamps (can be shared by groups)
- Cheap soil
- Plastic wrap
Get this activity at a huge discount in our comprehensive Climate Change Unit!
Teacher Notes:
Related Standards:
- NGSS MS-ESS2-5: Collect data to provide evidence for how the motions and complex interactions of air masses result in changes in weather conditions.
- NGSS MS-ESS3-4: Construct an argument supported by evidence for how increases in human population and per-capita consumption of natural resources impact Earth’s systems.
- NGSS MS-ESS3-5: Ask questions to clarify evidence of the factors that have caused the rise in global temperatures over the past century.
- NGSS Science & Engineering Practice: Asking questions and defining problems
- NGSS Science & Engineering Practice: Developing and using models
- NGSS Science & Engineering Practice: Planning and carrying out investigations
- NGSS Science & Engineering Practice: Analyzing and interpreting data
