Energy Efficiency World

Many scientists believe that by the time you are your grandparents’ age, the greenhouse effect will make the earth warmer than it has been at any time in the last 100,000 years. Temperature changes are already affecting glaciers, weather patterns, ocean levels, plant growth and animal habitats. YOU’RE GETTING WARMER!

Make a mini greenhouse. Try this experiment to see how the greenhouse effect works.

1

Get two large glass bottles or jars the same size, one piece of plastic wrap (or you can reuse a plastic bag!), one rubber band, and four ice cubes all the same size. Place two ice cubes in each jar, then cover the mouth of one jar with the plastic and fasten it in place with the rubber band. Leave the other jar open. Predict which ice cubes will melt faster in a sunny spot, and why: ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ Place the two jars side-by-side in a warm, sunny place. Time how long it takes for the ice to melt in each jar. Record the times here: ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________

2

3

5

Was your prediction correct? Why/why not? ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ Summarize your conclusions on a separate piece of paper. Include the following: • Did one jar of ice melt faster than the other? Why? • How are your observations related to the greenhouse effect?

4

6

11