Weather Station

Regulating Temperature

What it does

This experiment shows how the Earth's atmosphere helps keep our planet warm.

What you need

Two thermometers
A small plastic bag
A large plastic bag
2 twist ties

What to do

Put a thermometer inside the small bag.
Inflate the bag like a balloon, then tie it with a twist tie.
Put the small bag inside the big bag.
Inflate the large bag and tie it.
Place both thermometers on a sunny windowsill.
After 30 minutes, note the temperature from both thermometers.
Put the thermometers in a dark, cool place.
After 30 more minutes, read the thermometers again.

What it's all about

On first reading, the thermometer in the bag shows a higher temperature than the bare thermometer. Later, the thermometer in the bag cools down more slowly. The layers of air inside the bags acts like the atmosphere around our Earth.

Outer space is freezing cold, but Earth gets heat from the sun. The atmosphere around the Earth helps trap the sun's heat so that we don't freeze at night. It also protects us from burning up under the sun in the daytime.

Remember, be sure you have a parent, teacher, or other adult help you!