How does the Atmosphere keep the Earth Warmer?

In this activity, learners simulate the energy transfer between the earth and space by using the light from a desk lamp desk lamp with an incandescent bulb and a stack of glass plates. The stack of glass plates represents a model of layers of the atmosphere with a black painted glass plate placed at the bottom of the stack. Using a infrared thermometer learners will add an "atmosphere" to see how it holds the heat in and reduces the transmission of infrared. The order and number of plates can be varied for further experiments. This activity cold also work well outside on a sunny day. Note: the cost of materials does not include the IR thermometer or lamp.