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Making Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide

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The air over the eastern China cleared somewhat on 02.25.2004, as the haze and pollution moved eastward over the East China Sea.

Audience

Educators

Grade Levels

Grades K-4, Grades 5-8, Grades 9-12

Subject

Physical Science, Chemistry

Type

Lesson Plans / Activities

POLLUTION

Making Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide

In the Making Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide activities, participants will produce two important atmospheric gases: oxygen and carbon dioxide. Oxygen is made through a chemical reaction between hydrogen peroxide and yeast. A glowing splint is used in the classic test for pure oxygen. Carbon dioxide is generated using baking soda and vinegar. A lighted splint is used to test for the CO2.

Use two demonstrations to show students how to produce oxygen via a chemical reaction between yeast and hydrogen peroxide and how to produce carbon dioxide via a chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar.

Students will learn about properties and changes of properties in matter, transfer of energy, chemical reactions, geochemical cycles, changes in environments and environmental quality as they witness two methods of producing oxygen and carbon dioxide. Also, students learn how to test for each of these gases.

Making Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide (K-12)

Grade Level: K-12

Time Required: 60 minutes

National Science Standards Addressed:

Science K-4:

  • Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry
  • Understanding about scientific inquiry
  • Properties of objects and materials
  • Position and motion of objects
  • Abilities of technological design
  • Understanding about science and technology
  • Personal health
  • Characteristics and changes in populations
  • Changes in environments
  • Science and technology in local challenges

Science 5-8:

  • Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry
  • Understanding about scientific inquiry
  • Motions and forces
  • Transfer of energy
  • Personal and community health
  • Environmental quality
  • Science and technology in local, national, and global challenges
  • Abilities of technological design
  • Understanding about science and technology

Science 9-12:

  • Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry
  • Understanding about scientific inquiry
  • Motions and forces
  • Interactions of energy and matter
  • Personal and community health
  • Environmental quality
  • Science and technology in local, national, and global challenges
  • Abilities of technological design
  • Understanding about science and technology

Topic: Atmosphere, Gases, Green House Gases, Chemical Reactions

This activity is part of the Museum in a Box Lessons