How to Make a Greenhouse for a Science Project

••• Cavan Images/Cavan/GettyImages

This simple science experiment, adapted from the book “Teaching the Fun of Science” can demonstrate how a greenhouse works and how the atmosphere of the earth (as demonstrated by the plastic wrap) insulates and traps heated air. Students will learn how greenhouses retain heat, and why botanists and other plant growers use greenhouses in colder climates.

    Create a temperature data chart which will help explain the differences between the temperature inside and outside a greenhouse. The chart should include two rows labeled “Covered Box” and “Uncovered Box.” Columns should be labeled “At Start” and then in 15 minutes increments, for at least one hour, or for as many times as you want to check the temperature. Keep in mind that depending on the time and temperature of the day, the temperature inside the greenhouse may continue to increase or may level off.

    Add two inches of soil to the inside of the two shoe boxes; use the ruler for accurate measurements.

    Cover one of the boxes with the clear plastic wrap; you may have to secure it with tape if it does not stretch or stay put easily. Leave the other box open and exposed to the air.

    Record the temperatures of two shoe boxes, and enter the information into the temperature data chart.

    Place the shoe boxes next to each other outside in the sunlight or on the ledge of a window sill that receives direct sunlight.

    Record the temperatures from both thermometers every 15 minutes for one hour, or until your desired length of time.

    Things You'll Need

    • Temperature data chart
    • Two shoe boxes
    • Ruler
    • Soil
    • Two thermometers
    • Clear plastic wrap
    • Tape
    • Timer
    • Pencil
    • Sunny day

    Tips

    • For a more extensive project, experiment with more shoe box greenhouses that have varied surface materials. Prepare boxes with different surfaces materials, such as rock or sand; consider using different colors or surfaces as well such as white sand or black rocks. Also consider varying the amount of water in the soil, adding ice cubes to the shoeboxes, or adding a small dish with water to act as a pond.

    Warnings

    • While this is a relatively safe experiment, care should be taken when handling the thermometers as they might become overly hot from exposure to the heat of the sun.

      Remember that any variations of the original science project should be performed at the same time, or under the same conditions, such as time and temperature, as your standard shoe box in order to keep the conditions as scientific as possible.

Related Articles

Science Projects: How Hot & Cold Water Changes a Balloon
What Is the Fastest Way to Cool a Soda for a Science...
How to Make a Galilean Thermometer
How to Read a Sling Psychrometer
Thermal Energy Science Experiments for Kids
Simple Models for Global Warming Science Projects
How to Make a Thermometer for Kids
How to Grow a Plant From a Bean as a Science Project
Biology Experiments on Bread Mold
Science Projects on the Effect of Color on Heat Absorption
Science Experiments With Plants for Kids
Two Week Science Projects
How to Determine Relative Humidity From a Wet & Dry...
High School Science Experiments With Plants
How Do I Calculate the Capacity of a Filing Cabinet?
How to Grow Pinto Beans as a Science Project
Types of Hygrometers
Science Projects on Whether the Color of Water Affects...
How to Tell If it Is Humid Without a Hygrometer?
How to Remove Chlorophyll From Leaves

Dont Go!

We Have More Great Sciencing Articles!