Apr 07

Spheres test

Here is a list of the objectives that we covered in the Lithosphere, Hydrosphere, and Atmosphere unit. You are expected to be able to:

  • Describes the structure of a soil
  • Defines the buffering capacity of a soil and why it is advantageous
  • Explains the natural process of eutrophication of a body of natural water
  • Explains how human activities accelerate the eutrophication of a body of natural water
  • Describes the greenhouse effect
  • Explains some consequences of a higher concentration of greenhouse gases
  • Describes the main factors responsible for atmospheric circulation
  • Describes the effect of prevailing winds on the dispersal of air pollutants in a given region
  • Names soil contaminants, water contaminants, and air contaminants

You can use this as a checklist while you are studying. Good luck!

Mar 24

Greenhouse Experiment

For this experiment, you will be building a mini-greenhouse to investigate how the temperature inside the greenhouse changes when it is exposed to an outside heat source.

Each of you will need the following materials:

  • two large glass bottles or jars of the same size (clear glass)
  • one piece of plastic wrap (or a recycled plastic bag!)
  • one rubber band
  • four ice cubes (all the same size)
  • two thermometers that will fit inside the bottles (optional)

Your task is to follow the procedure for the investigation then report on your findings in a lab report. Below is the rubric that I will be using to mark your reports. You will be working independently.

Greenhouse-Lab-Rubric1Procedure:

  • Place two ice cubes and the optional thermometer in each bottle.
  • Cover the mouth of one bottle with the plastic and fasten it in place with the rubber band. Leave the other bottle open.
  • Place the two bottles side-by-side in a warm, sunny place.
  • Observe what happens (see details in the rubric).

Analysis Questions:

  1. Did one bottle of ice melt faster than the other? Why?
  2. How are your observations related to the transfer of heat energy? Explain.
  3. How are your observations related to the greenhouse effect? Explain.

Based on an activity at Energy Efficiency World.

Feb 17

Energy Design Project

Here are some examples of past students’ Energy Design Projects:

What do you think? Which one(s) stood out to you?