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What To Do About CO2?

What To Do About CO2?
Contributors
Beyond Benign
Beyond Benign, Inc.
Learning Objets
Summary
In this interactive lesson and game-based activity, students investigate the role of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in climate change, ocean acidification, and human health. Through card-based simulations and guided discussion, students explore how CO₂ dissolves in water, lowers pH, and impacts natural systems. The activity then introduces carbon capture strategies—including biological, chemical, and materials-based solutions—framed through green chemistry and sustainability. By comparing prevention, mitigation, and capture approaches, students engage in systems thinking and evaluate how chemistry can address climate challenges responsibly and effectively.
Keyword Tags
Carbon Dioxide
Climate Change
Ocean Acidification
Green Chemistry
Carbon Capture
File (PDF, PPT, image, etc)
what_to_do_about_co2-ph_cards.docx
what_to_do_about_co2-ph_game_blanks.pdf
what_to_do_about_co2-ph_game_key.pdf
what_to_do_about_co2_capture_cards.docx
what_to_do_about_co2_talking_points.pptx
Learning Goals/Student Objectives
- Explain how carbon dioxide affects pH in water systems.
- Describe the relationship between CO₂ emissions, climate change, and ocean acidification.
- Interpret cause-and-effect relationships using models and simulations.
- Compare strategies for preventing, reducing, and capturing CO₂.
- Apply green chemistry principles to evaluate carbon management solutions.
- Communicate evidence-based ideas about climate solutions.
Object Type
Activities/Technology (e.g., in-class activities, online games, hands-on activities/manipulatives, outreach, virtual tools, etc.)
Audience
Middle School
High School (Secondary School)
Other Faculty Educators/Teachers
Green Chemistry Principles
Waste Prevention
Designing Safer Chemicals
Design for Energy Efficiency
Use of Renewable Feedstocks
U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Quality Education
Responsible Consumption and Production
Climate Action
Life Below Water
Safety Precautions, Hazards, and Risk Assessment
-No chemicals or laboratory equipment used
-Card-based simulation and discussion only
-Standard classroom supervision applies
-Overall risk level: Low
NGSS Standards, if applicable
MS-ESS3-5: Ask questions to clarify evidence of factors that have caused global temperatures to rise over the past century.

HS-ESS3-5 (adaptable): Analyze geoscience data and results from global climate models to make evidence-based forecasts of climate change.

MS-PS1-2 (conceptual): Analyze and interpret data on the properties of substances to determine how pH affects systems.

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Submitted by

Tyler Schisler
Published on
Moderation state
Published