In this activity, which can be performed as a demonstration by the teacher or by the students themselves, carbon dioxide is generated in a fish tank using sodium bicarbonate and vinegar. The students can observe as the accumulating carbon dioxide extinguishes candles of different heights, marking rising levels of CO2 in the tank. They can also blow soap bubbles (which contain air) into the tank and observe them floating on the denser CO2 at first, then sinking as the gas diffuses through the soap film that forms the bubbles.
Intended for grade levels:
Type of resource:
Lesson requires Microsoft Word
Cost / Copyright:
Copyright 2005, Glenn Dolphin.
DLESE Catalog ID: NYIC-000-000-000-041
Resource contact / Creator / Publisher:
Author: Glenn Dolphin
Union Endicott Central School District
Contact: Steve Kluge
No institutional affiliation