Carbon Dioxide Greenhouse Jar

This experiment models the greenhouse effect using jars filled with different controls and a baking soda–vinegar reaction to produce carbon dioxide. By comparing temperatures in jars with and without trapped CO2, students see how greenhouse gases can trap heat.

1. Label five jars: Air (control), Vinegar (control), Baking Soda (control), Reaction (sealed), and Reaction (unsealed).
2. Cover the first four jars with clear plastic wrap secured with elastic bands. Leave one reaction jar open.
3. Add vinegar to the vinegar jar and baking soda to the baking soda jar, then cover them.
4. For the sealed reaction jar, quickly mix baking soda and vinegar together, then immediately cover tightly with plastic wrap to trap the CO2 gas.
5. Place all jars in front of a heat source (a sunny window or lamp). Ensure they receive equal heating.
6. After 5–10 minutes, measure temperatures inside the jars using thermometers (infrared or inserted through a small slit in the plastic).
7. Compare the results: the sealed reaction jar should be warmer than the others, showing the greenhouse effect of trapped CO2.

Greenhouse Effect Experiment for Kids exploring Climate Change - STEAM Powered Family:

📄 The Greenhouse Effect Experiment - STEAM Powered Family: https://www.steampoweredfamily.com/the-greenhouse-effect-experiment/

• Try different amounts of baking soda and vinegar to change the amount of CO2 produced.
• Compare results using glass versus plastic jars.
• Use one heat lamp per jar to ensure consistent heating.
• Test how long the CO2 effect lasts by measuring temperatures over a longer period.

• Perform the reaction on a stable surface to avoid spills.
• Work quickly when sealing the reaction jar to trap gases.
• Handle glass jars carefully to prevent breakage.
• Do not drink or taste the vinegar, baking soda, or reaction mixture.

• Why is the sealed reaction jar warmer than the controls? (The trapped CO2 gas absorbs and re-emits heat, simulating greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.)
• Why is the open reaction jar the coldest? (The baking soda–vinegar reaction is endothermic, lowering the temperature without trapping heat.)
• How does this model show the role of CO2 in global warming? (It demonstrates that increased CO2 concentration traps additional heat, raising temperatures.)
• What real-life activities increase CO2 in the atmosphere? (Burning fossil fuels, transportation, deforestation, and industrial processes.)
• Why are control jars important in this experiment? (They show that the effect comes from CO2, not just vinegar, baking soda, or heat alone.)