Lesson Description: This lesson is designed to build on student's understanding of the greenhouse effect. The students will build terrariums, collect data, and analyze the information regarding their experiments.

Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to:
- Successfully complete their terrarium lab set up
- Record the temperatures accurately for the three terrariums
- Construct graphs for each of the terrariums
- Interpret the data from the three terrariums
- Explain how the terrariums are a model of our world
- Explain how the experience relates to global warming and the greenhouse effect

Materials: worksheets and graph paper per student
The following material will be needed per lab station:
- three clean, clear, liter plastic bottles timer or second hand on a watch
- three thermometers (220C -110oC) light source and silver shield to direct the light
- dirt/soil (potting soil or any type of dirt)small coffee can full extension cord if necessary
- measuring cup large garbage bags for the clean up
- old newspapers to keep surfaces clean

Method 1: Use the material above and set up the procedure as a class demonstration asking three different students to help record temperature, another to keep track of time, and three other students to record the data on the black board. All students should record the data onto their own papers and complete their own worksheets.

Method 2: Every set of 2 to 3 students can complete all three models and record the data for their terrariums. If this is the method selected, allow more time for the construction of the terrariums. A double period or two class periods will be more appropriate. After completing the lab, facilitate a class discussion regarding the results and any anomalies that may have occurred.

Method 3: Every set of 2 to 3 students will complete one of the three terrariums and collect the data for their individual situation only. The teams will then share their data to collect information regarding all the three set ups. After completing the lab facilitate a class discussion to discuss the results and any anomalies that may have occurred.

Hints regarding set up: Be sure that the light source stays an even distance from the Terrarium(s) throughout the lab. The thermometers should be resting on top of the soil and not in the soil. The air temperature is being recorded not the temperature of the soil. If necessary place a small block on the soil to mount the thermometer- many thermometers come with a back that will rest on the soil so that the bulb is away from the dirt. If multiple terrariums are being heated by one light source be sure to measure the distance from the light to each terrarium and keep them as tight as possible. No more than 3 terrariums per light source may be used. The terrariums will end up in a curved fashion around the lamp source. Use the same set up idea that is commonly used for the black and silver can lab or the Insolation labs.

Time Requirements:
Method 1 and 3: 45 minute lab period
Method 2: allow a block or 90 minute period
Allow for a 10-15 minute class discussion to relate the lab experience back to the greenhouse effect after the lab experience. This is not included in the time assessment.

Assessment: Each student will complete the lab, questions, graph, and take an active roll in the lab activity.