The Planets and the Solar System
The Venus Project
Global Warming and the Greenhouse Effect
Directions: This planet project is a little bit different from others that we have done. This planet project will split into various parts and each part must be completed in order to receive full credit for this project.
Due in class on Friday, March 16th, 2012
Part I: Internet Research and Write-Up
Log onto the Internet and develop some research relating to the scientific terms of Global Warming and Greenhouse Effect.
Written Research portion of this part must include the following:
· Definitions of the Scientific Terms Global Warming and Greenhouse Effect.
· Facts: Pros and Cons of Global Warming and the Greenhouse Effect.
· Discuss the debate that is surrounding this highly controversial Environmental issue of Global Warming and the Greenhouse Effect.
· Compare and Contrast Global Warming and the Greenhouse Effect on the planets Venus and Earth.
Part II:
Materials Need:
Two bowls (preferably not plastic, so it doesn’t melt)
Cold Water
30 Ice Cubes
Plastic Wrap
Thermometer
Temperature Chart to record your findings
Nice Sunny Day
Experiment:
· Mark one bowl as the Planet Earth and one bowl as the Planet Venus
· Fill each “planet” (bowl) up about half way with Cold Water.
· On your Temperature Chart, use the thermometer and record the temperatures of each planet at the start of the experiment.
· Now it is time to place the atmospheres onto your planets.
· Take the plastic wrap and COMPLETELY cover the bowl marked as “Venus.” Leave the bowl marked as “Earth” just the way it is.
· Place both “planets” (bowls) in direct sunlight.
· After an hour, use the thermometer and record your first new temperature reading on your results chart.
· Next, take the bowls, empty the water, fill both bowls up half way with cold water, and put “5” ice cubes in each bowl.
· Use the thermometer and record your starting temperature for each “planet” with the 5 ice cubes in each bowl.
· Again, wrap the bowl marked “Venus” in plastic wrap and leave the bowl marked “Earth” alone.
· Place both “planets” (bowls) in direct sunlight.
· After an hour, use the thermometer and record your new temperature readings of each planet on your results chart.
· Next, take the bowls, empty the water, fill both bowls up half way with cold water, and put “10” ice cubes in each bowl.
· Again, wrap the bowl marked “Venus” in plastic wrap and leave the bowl marked “Earth” alone.
· Place both “planets” in direct sunlight
· After an hour, use the thermometer and record your new temperature readings of each planet on your results chart.
Written Responses: On a separate sheet of paper
Based on the temperature data from all three parts of the experiments, please answer the following questions:
Why did we only wrap the bowl marked “Venus” in plastic wrap and leave the bowl marked “Earth” alone? (Hint: Explain the atmospheres for each planet)
Does anything happen to the water in each bowl after an hour in the sunlight? If yes, explain what that is? If you left it out there longer, would you think something would happen to the water? If yes, explain what that is?
Based off the results of the experiment and your answer to the last question above, explain why Venus has no liquid water supply on the planet and why the planet would be inhabitable for humans?
Based on your experiment and research that you have done here, what would you suggest would be the best way to tackle Global Warming and the Greenhouse Effect here on Earth?
Be sure to view the video on Venus as well as the powerpoint before starting this project.
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