The Greenhouse Effect Model

The scientific community generally agrees that the increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is causing an increase in average global temperatures, known as the Greenhouse Effect. This is where the Sun's radiation enters the Earth's atmosphere in a range of wavelengths. The Earth absorbs this radiation and emits it as infrared radiation. Some of the radiation is radiated back into space, but some of this infrared radiation is absorbed by the greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere. This causes the atmosphere to warm up.

In this activity, students will create a model of the greenhouse effect. Using labels and arrows, they'll show how radiation moves throughout the atmosphere. To scaffold this activity, consider adding arrows or labels and letting students fill in the blanks.

Student Instructions

Create a model of the Greenhouse Effect in a storyboard.

1. Click "Start Assignment"
2. Find an appropriate scene to show the greenhouse effect. (Look for the rainbow scene in Mythical and Futuristic!)
3. Add characters and items as necessary.
4. Use arrows to show the movement of energy.
5. Label the main parts of the greenhouse effect with Textables.
6. Add extra information about the greenhouse effect with text boxes. Describe what is happening at each stage.