Background Information
Our Climate is changing because humans have increased the amount of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere.
Greenhouse Gases are actually necessary, as they help to keep the earth’s surface warm by trapping the earth’s heat
(the greenhouse effect). Without this warmth the earth would be unbearably cold. These Greenhouse Gases (GHG’s)
include Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O) and Ozone (O3). The problem is that their
concentrations have increased dramatically in the last century due to human activity. When we burn fossil fuels to
provide electricity for our homes and businesses or when we cut down trees these actions release Carbon dioxide
in the atmosphere. This is making the earth very, very warm (global warming) and in turn causing our climate to
change.
Global Warming = unusually high levels of warming in the earth’s atmosphere/surface.
Climate Change = actual change in the earth’s surface temperature over a period of time.
About this Activity Sheet
This exercise is targeted to children between the ages of 9-11 years. It is a hands-on interactive exercise that allows
children to see firsthand the process of global warming and its effects on the earth’s temperature. This experiment
can be done between an adult and a child, or it can be done together in a class setting with many children. It is
important to discuss with the child/children the results from this experiment.
Skills developed
Children will develop critical thinking skills and reasoning ability. They will gain basic scientific knowledge by
understanding the process behind global warming, thus making the connection to climate change.