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Lesson .

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Global Warming Demonstration

Subject
Science
Grade Levels
1-12
Time Required
Under 30 mins

Overview

This demonstration uses a water balloon to show how Earth's oceans are absorbing most of the heat being trapped on our warming world.

Materials

  • Several balloons
  • Lighter (be sure it creates a flame rather than a jet)
  • Bottle of water
  • Bucket
  • Safety goggles
  • "DIY Space: Water Balloon Demonstration" video tutorial – Watch on YouTube

Management

Watch the "DIY Space: Water Balloon Demonstration" video tutorial at the top of the page for instructions on doing the demonstration.

Procedures

  1. Blow up the balloon and tie it. Ask someone to hold the balloon while you put on safety goggles. Explain to students that the air-filled balloon represents Earth's atmosphere and the flame represents the heat from the sun.
  2. Take the balloon and have students stand at least three feet away from you.
  3. Hold the bottom of the balloon. Place the lighter's flame onto the balloon, but at a safe distance from where you are holding the balloon. As soon as the flame touches the balloon, the balloon will pop.
  4. Now make a water balloon. When filling the balloon, try to remove any air bubbles as placing the flame over an air bubble could cause the balloon to pop prematurely. Explain to students that this balloon represents Earth's oceans.
  5. Make sure your safety goggles are still on and hold the balloon over the bucket. Make sure to hold the balloon at the bottom and place the lighter's flame on the balloon, at a safe distance from where you are holding the balloon.
  6. Depending on the size of the balloon, the quality and thickness of the rubber, and the presence of any air bubbles, the water-filled balloon should last more than one minute with the flame on it. Be sure to follow any safety instructions on the lighter with regard to how long the lighter may be held lit without cooling off.
  7. Eventually it the balloon may pop, so position the bucket to catch the water.
  8. Explain to students that this demonstration illustrates how Earth's oceans are absorbing a great deal of the heat generated by climate change. In fact, Earth's oceans are absorbing about 80 to 90 percent of the heat from global warming. Since water can withstand a lot more heat than the atmosphere, the temperature of the oceans isn't changing that much.

Extensions

Lesson Last Updated: Oct. 11, 2024