However, human activity such as excessive burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, has led to an increase in the greenhouse gases, thus allowing heat to escape.

This so-called greenhouse effect will lead to global warming of the atmosphere, with far-reaching consequences such as changes in climate, reduced crop production, a rise in sea levels and an increase in diseases.





Set up a mini-greenhouse
Set up two large glass jars as shown below.  Jar A contains dry soil and no plants.  Jar B contains moist soil and a few plants.  Place a thermometer in each one and screw the lid on each jar.  If the thermometers are too long then drill a hole (slightly larger than the thermometer) in the lids.  Pack cotton wool in the small space between the thermometer and the hole.  Now place both bottles in the sun and record their internal temperatures half-hourly as well as the outside temperatures.  Discuss reasons for the temperature differences.