The greenhouse effect is important, for without it, life on Earth would not exist. An activity that includes modeling the greenhouse effect and acting out the Earth's energy balance makes up the first part in a series of seven lessons. Pupils perform a small lab to understand the greenhouse effect and then discuss the make-up of the atmosphere. They then color and discuss a diagram about the greenhouse effect, and act out energy as it moves through the atmosphere and to Earth. 

Concepts

greenhouse gases, the greenhouse effect, the earth's atmosphere

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Assign the final journal entry as homework for learners to explain what happens to the energy from the sun 

Classroom Considerations

• A portion of the lab is supposed to sit in the sun for an hour before students record temperatures; shorten as necessary to complete the lab within one class period
• Activity is appropriate for sixth graders as well

Pros

• Lesson provides five pages of background information for teachers, pupils, or both to read
• Allowing scholars to act out earth's energy balance is fun and engaging for them

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.6-8.3