An interactive simulation to explore the role of different greenhouse gases in causing the greenhouse effect. This PhET simulation titled, ‘The Greenhouse Effect’ by University of Colorado, Boulder, helps to visualize the greenhouse effect of the atmosphere.
Students will learn how certain gases in the atmosphere absorb outgoing terrestrial radiation and re-radiate the energy back to Earth’s surface. Using the simulation, they will also be able to adjust the concentration of different greenhouse gases and to note the corresponding surface temperatures of the planet.
Use this tool to help your students find answers to:
- What are greenhouse gases?
- What is the ‘greenhouse effect’ of the Earth’s atmosphere?
- Discuss how varying concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere cause global warming.
About the tool
| Tool Name | The Greenhouse Effect |
| Discipline | Chemistry |
| Topic(s) in Discipline | Greenhouse Effect, Greenhouse Gases (GHGs), Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Global Warming |
| Climate Topic | Greenhouse Effect; Introduction to Climate Change |
| Type of tool | Simulation |
| Grade Level | Middle School, High School |
| Location | Global |
| Language | English, French, German, and Spanish |
| Translation | |
| Developed by | PhET Interactive Simulations, University of Colorado |
| Hosted at | PhET Interactive Simulations Website |
| Link | https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/greenhouse |
| Access | Online |
| Computer Skills | Basic |
