Illustration of a thermometer next to Earth.
Student Guide

CO2 and our climate

Eunice Newton Foote & her groundbreaking discovery

What is CO2, and how does it affect the climate? How does CO2 compare to air as a greenhouse gas? How does CO2 in the atmosphere interact with infrared light (heat)?

  • 2 clear plastic bottles or jars (same size, with lids if possible)
  • 2 thermometers (standard classroom or digital)
  • Heat lamp
  • 5 g Baking soda (about a teaspoon)
  • 60 ml vinegar (about ¼ cup)
  • Balloon
  • Timer or stopwatch
  • Printed student guides

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