Shoebox Greenhouse Effect

• Students can learn about the greenhouse effect by creating a simple version of a greenhouse using a shoebox and plastic wrap. Students should first understand how a greenhouse traps heat inside using glass and understand that the earth's atmosphere provides a similar effect. They should relate this trapping of heat to the gradual rising of earth's temperature. To simulate and test this theory have students halfway fill a shoebox with soil and place a thermometer on top of the soil. Cover the top of the shoebox with plastic wrap to create a greenhouse. Place the shoebox along with a second thermometer in a sunny place where it can be observed every for an hour. Record the temperature inside the box every 15 minutes. Students should observe a higher temperature inside the box, due to the trapping of heat.
  
  

Greehouse Effect Through Creative Dramatics

• Students will be able to visualize the greenhouse effect by participating in creative dramatics. Create ten name tags with "heat" written on them and five with "gas" and hand out one to each student. A large room or gym will be needed or an outdoor space. Use one end of the room to represent the sun and the opposite end to represent the earth. Students labeled as heat should stand close to the sun while students labeled as gas should be close to earth. Begin by having the "heat" students move towards earth and allow some to be caught by one "gas" student. Due to the unequal numbers, some of the "heat" students will be able to escape back to the sun. To demonstrate the greenhouse effect increase the number of gases so that more heat is trapped on earth. Students will easily be able to see how the increase in gases on earth causes an increase in temperature.
  
  

Research Project

• Students can use the Internet to research global warming, its causes and what can be done to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Begin by allowing students to brainstorm ideas about what they already know about these topics and to make a list of topics they would like to research. Students can write predictions about the effect global warming might have on the climate, ecosystems and humans. They can then check their predictions by completing Internet research. After completing their research, students can create a poster that displays ways humans can stop global warming.
  
  

Global Warming Debate

• Many scientists disagree about global warming and climate change, and students should be made aware of the controversy around this topic. Have students use the Internet to research the various opinions on this topic and then formulate their own opinions. Students can write a paper that represents their point of view on global warming. After students have formed opinions, hold a class debate on the topic. During the debate, students will have the opportunity to share the facts they learned during research and will understand why there is disagreement on the issue.