Oceans absorb half of the carbon dioxide and 80 percent of the greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere. Scholars learn how and why the oceans store heat more effectively than land and how they help mitigate global warming. Pupils heat a sample of soil and another of water, tracking how quickly they heat up and cool down after the heat source is removed.

Concepts

oceans, heat, climate change, solar radiation, planet earth, heat capacity, temperature, global warming

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Look at hourly data tables of temperature to learn when the coldest part of the day is and discuss how this connects to the lesson

Classroom Considerations

• If enough materials exist, have small groups perform the experiment; otherwise, it can be completed as a demonstration
• Use caution with lamps as they may get hot

Pros

• Uses common materials that most labs should have on hand
• Includes a photograph showing the proper way to set up the experiment

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.6-8.3 RST.9-10.3 RST.11-12.3