Human Climate Change Model

Age

Elementary School, Middle School, High School

Format

Stage Show

Materials

   Tennis ball (2/3 as many balls as students)
   Signs written "carbon dioxide","methane" (1/2 as many as students)
   Plastic boxes
   Poster of greenhouse gas and effect (Optional) 

Safety Precautions

Science Theatre demonstrators must keep the safety of themselves and their audience in mind at all times. All Science Theatre demonstrators must have read through the Safety Training page. The ST Safety Box with first aid kit, fire extinguisher, etc. should always be available to demonstrators. Always wear safety gloves, glasses, and a labcoat if handling chemicals; always perform potentially dangerous demonstrations at a safe distance from the audience; and always keep a very close eye on any volunteers you call from the audience. Do not let kids play with the tennis ball before or after the demo. Be sure to pass the ball carefully enough that no one would get hurt. Tell the audience that any throwing or kicking is not allowed during the demo. Collect balls and signs right after the demo.

Preparation

Set up the poster if needed, and get correct numbers of balls and signs.

What to Say

Having the poster with you while talking about the concept of this demo would make it easier to address the idea if necessary.

Starting with questions like "Have you ever heard about greenhouse gas?" or "Do you have any idea about the global warming?" could help a lot to give a general concept about this demo. After gathering some answers, you could introduce what a greenhouse is. "Originally, people built greenhouses with glassy or film plastic walls and roofs as quilts we have at night,to keep a relatively stable warm temperature inside. In this way, flowers or vegetables planted there can grow all the year round regarding of seasonal changing climate.

As for our earth, "what is the 'quilt' that keeps us warm day and night?" The answer is our atmosphere.