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What Is the Greenhouse Effect?

Did you know Earth wears an invisible "blanket" made of air?

It keeps our planet warm and cosy — just right for plants, animals, and you! Let's find out how it works. 👀

🔆 The Sun warms the Earth.
🌫️ Special gases in the air trap some of that warmth.
😊 That keeps Earth comfy — not too hot, not too cold.

Tap Next to begin your adventure!

☀️ First, the Sun sends warmth

The Sun shoots out rays of light and heat that travel all the way to Earth. Tap each sunray to send its warmth down to our planet!

Rays caught: 0 / 3

🌫️ The air "blanket" traps heat

When sunlight hits the ground, some warmth tries to bounce back into space. But special gases in the air catch some of it — like a cosy blanket keeping the heat in.

Tap each gas to meet it 👇

🫧Carbon dioxide tap me We breathe it out, and cars and factories make lots of it.
💧Water vapour tap me Tiny bits of water floating in the air — like invisible steam.
🐄Methane tap me Comes from cows, rubbish dumps, and swampy ground.

Gases met: 0 / 3

🏡 Why is it called a "greenhouse"?

A greenhouse is a glass house where gardeners grow plants. Sunlight shines in through the glass and warms the air inside — but the glass stops the warmth from escaping, so it stays toasty.

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Earth's gases work just like that glass! That's why we call it the greenhouse effect. 🌍

Quick check — what does the glass of a greenhouse do?

🌡️ A little blanket is good — too much is too hot

A thin blanket of gases keeps Earth comfy. But if we add too many greenhouse gases, the blanket gets thick and Earth gets too warm. Slide to add gases and watch! 👇

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Just right 🌍

💚 How can we help keep Earth cool?

Some things add more greenhouse gases; other things add less. Drag each card into the right basket. (On a tablet, press and drag!)

🚗 Lots of car rides
🚲 Cycling to school
🌳 Planting trees
💡 Leaving lights on

💚 Helps Earth

🥵 Adds more heat

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You're a Greenhouse Effect Expert!

Here's what you learned:

⭐ Great work, Earth helper!