Greenhouse Effect
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The first half of Day 13 includes providing feedback on the midterm and continuing our exploration of astronomical phenomena in the context of the Sun/Earth/Moon system with development of two models for explaining day and night.
The second half of day 13 introduces the greenhouse effect as indicated in the plan for the day's activities. The plan provides a tentative schedule for the 2.5 hour session, equipment needed, and brief description of each segment.
Near the end of class, we include time for writing during which the students begin work on their reports for the day's activities, particularly tables and figures suggested in the directions.
Table 13 and Figures 13ab for Lab Report 13
By midnight of the following day, the students submit a written summary known as a Laboratory Report:
Directions for Laboratory Report 13 on Greenhouse Effect
Greenhouse Effect Exploration
Figure 13a depicts an experiment done in class by the students to study greenhouse effects. Students looked at two different plastic tubs, each with a wet paper towel in the bottom of the tub. In each tub a ruler was placed with a thermometer on top of the ruler to measure the temperature of the ruler in the tub. One tub had saran wrap placed over it tightly, and a light was placed over each tub. After about a half hour students returned to look at the tubs. The one that had been wrapped had condensation on the top and sides of the tub. Also the temperature in said tub was about ten degrees Celsius higher than the uncovered tub.
(Excerpt from student report)
Example Student Laboratory Report for Greenhouse Effect Activities on Day 13: