Here’s how you can create a working model of a greenhouse using cardboard, paper, and transparent sheets.
I’ll provide two design variations: one with a curved roof (dome) and the other with a triangular roof. These simple models will demonstrate how greenhouses function by trapping heat to support plant growth.
Materials Required
- Cardboard sheets (for structure and base)
- Transparent plastic sheet or cling film (for glazing effect)
- A4-size white or colored paper (for decoration)
- Glue, tape, and scissors
- Ruler and pencil
- Small thermocol balls, plants, or artificial greenery (optional for internal decoration)
- LED light or thermometer (optional for temperature monitoring)
Design 1: Curved Roof (Dome-Shaped) Greenhouse Model
Steps:
- Base Structure:
- Cut a rectangular piece of cardboard to act as the base (e.g., 30 cm x 20 cm).
- Draw and cut out four rectangular walls from cardboard for the sides. Each wall could be 20 cm x 10 cm.
- Curved Roof Structure:
- For the roof, cut a half-circle shape from cardboard (diameter = width of the model).
- Attach two of these half-circle pieces at the top ends of the walls, creating a curved roof frame.
- Transparent Roof Covering:
- Cut the transparent plastic sheet to fit over the curved frame.
- Secure the sheet with glue or tape so that it covers the entire dome without any gaps.
- Assembling the Walls and Roof:
- Glue or tape the side walls to the base. Then, attach the roof frame securely on top of the walls.
- Interior Decoration (Optional):
- Add small toy plants or artificial greenery inside the model. You could also place a small LED light inside to show how sunlight is replaced artificially in greenhouses.
- Finishing Touches:
- Use colored paper to decorate the exterior walls or label the parts.
Design 2: Triangular Roof (A-Frame) Greenhouse Model Steps:
- Base Structure:
- Prepare a rectangular cardboard base of around 30 cm x 20 cm.
- Cut four wall pieces from cardboard, each around 20 cm x 10 cm.
- Triangular Roof Frame:
- Cut two triangular pieces for the roof’s side walls (e.g., 10 cm base with 10 cm height).
- For the sloping roof, cut two rectangular strips of cardboard (10 cm x 20 cm each). These will meet at the top to form a triangle shape.
- Attaching the Roof and Walls:
- Glue the walls to the base first. Then, attach the two triangular walls at the front and back.
- Place the rectangular roof pieces on the sloping edges, ensuring they meet at the top point of the triangle.
- Covering the Roof with Transparent Sheet:
- Wrap the transparent sheet over the sloped roof and secure it with glue or tape. Make sure the plastic is stretched tight.
- Interior Setup:
- You can place thermocol balls or toy plants inside to represent crops. Optionally, install a small thermometer or light inside the model to demonstrate temperature control.
- Decoration:
- Use colored paper or markers to label the model and add finishing details.
Explanation of the Greenhouse Effect in the Model
- Purpose: The transparent sheet acts as the glass in a real greenhouse, trapping heat inside and preventing it from escaping.
- Sunlight Simulation: You can place the model near a light source (or use LED lights) to demonstrate how the greenhouse maintains a warm environment suitable for plant growth.
These two designs will give a clear visual of how different greenhouse structures work. The curved roof model demonstrates a more efficient design for heat distribution, while the triangular roof model shows a simple, easy-to-build structure often used in smaller agricultural setups.