Abstract
The purpose of this experiment was to find out how sunlight affects the
temperature of greenhouse gases. I hypothesized that if a container filled with
greenhouse gases received sunlight, then its temperature would increase more than
a container without gases because greenhouse gases trap heat. To test this idea, we
used two plastic bottles: one was filled with greenhouse gases created by mixing
vinegar and baking soda, and the other was left with normal air. Both bottles were
placed in the same amount of sunlight for one week. Each day, we measured the
temperature of both bottles using thermometers and observed the changes. The
results showed that the bottles with greenhouse gases became hotter each day,
while the control bottle stayed cooler. This supports the hypothesis that greenhouse
gases trap heat inside a closed space. The experiment models what happens in
Earth’s atmosphere, where greenhouse gases trap energy from the sun and make
the planet warmer. It also shows that too much greenhouse gas can cause global
warming, which can affect living organisms and the environment. Understanding
this effect helps us learn why reducing greenhouse gas emissions is important for
protecting our planet.
CONCLUSION
The experiment proved that containers with higher levels of greenhouse gases
experienced a greater increase in temperature when exposed to light. This result
supports the hypothesis that greenhouse gases trap heat and prevent it from
escaping. The experiment demonstrates the same process that happens on Earth,
showing that an increase in greenhouse gases contributes to global warming.
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is essential to slow down climate change and
protect the planet’s ecosystems.
Data and results
The experiment clearly demonstrated that increasing the amount of CO₂ directly
caused significant changes in the dependent variables. The data showed that as
CO₂ levels rose, the final temperature increased, while plant growth declined—
from healthy growth in the control container, to slower growth, and finally to plant
death in the high-CO₂ environment. This demonstrates that an excess of
greenhouse gases not only raises temperature but also creates conditions too
extreme for plant life to survive.
Independent Variable: Amount of greenhouse gases (CO₂).
Dependent Variables: Temperature inside each bottle and plant growth rate.
Controlled Variables: Same seeds, same thermometers, same amount of sunlight,
same duration of exposure, same soil and water amount.
Hypothesis
If a container has a higher concentration of greenhouse gases (CO₂), then its
temperature will increase more when exposed to sunlight compared to a container
without greenhouse gases.
Question
How does increasing the concentration of greenhouse gases affect temperature in a
closed environment?
Procedure
First, we cut two 3-liter bottles, measuring 10 cm from the bottom up. Second, we
place a strip of double paper towel folded in half at the bottom of our bases to
maintain moisture. Third, we fill both bottom parts of the bottles with fertile soil.
Fourth, we make a small hole to plant a seed — in this case, we are using bean
seeds. Fifth, we moisten the soil with water so it stays hydrated and the seeds can
germinate. Sixth, we use the top parts of the bottles to cover the bases and try to
seal them with tape. Seventh, using something hot — in our case, a soldering iron
— we make a small hole near the cap of the bottle that will receive CO². Eighth,
with the third bottle (a 1.5-liter one), we make a hole in the cap and connect a
medical PVC tube, sealing any air leaks with glue (super glue or hot silicone).
Ninth, once it’s dry, we connect the other end of the PVC tube to the hole we made
in the bottle that will receive the CO², sealing it the same way. Tenth, when our
entire setup is ready, we mix baking soda and white vinegar inside the 1.5-liter
bottle and seal it as quickly as possible, since the combination releases CO² —
which is what we need to observe how CO² affects the temperature and growth of
plants.