Infrared Detection of Carbon Dioxide
Provided by: Paleontological Research Institution|Published on: June 30, 2022|Last updated: September 26, 2026
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Type: Worksheets
Subjects: Chemistry, Physics, Earth and Space Sciences, Mathematics
Authors: Paleontological Research Institution
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- In this experiment, students will build a testing chamber and perform an experiment to measure the amount of infrared energy that carbon dioxide absorbs.
- Students will record and graph their data and discuss the relationship between what their data shows and what is happening to our planet.
Teaching Materials
Positives
- The concepts presented in the experiment are challenging, but the resource provides clear and detailed explanations.
- The lesson plan provides a helpful photograph of the apparatus that students will build for the experiment.
- The experiment can be run as a "dry lab" by using the sample information provided.
Additional Prerequisites
- The links on page 6 of the PDF do not work, but the URLs can be typed manually.
- For the experiment, you will need an IR thermometer (forehead/ear thermometer), a mug warmer or hot plate, a carbon dioxide meter, a paper or plastic bottle/container, a small dish or cup, sodium bicarbonate tablets (e.g. Alka-Seltzer), and a clock or timer.
Differentiation
- Chemistry, biology, and physics classes can utilize this experiment for lessons about waves, energy, the electromagnetic spectrum, ocean acidification, the greenhouse effect, and global warming.
- This experiment could also be used to connect topics such as carbon sequestration and the importance of natural carbon sinks.
- Other resources on this topic include this video on infrared radiation absorption, this lesson on the chemistry of the greenhouse effect, and this interactive media resource about heating up the atmosphere.
This resources requires the use of an infrared thermometer, a carbon dioxide detector, and a mug warmer or other source of heat. Students are tasked with setting up an experiment in which carbon dioxide is produced using an antacid tablet, and careful observations of temperature and carbon dioxide are made that demonstrate the greenhouse effect. If all the equipment are available, then this resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
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