Understanding the Unseen: CO₂'s Connections in Life

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a colorless, odorless gas that makes up a small fraction of Earth's atmosphere. Despite its inconspicuous nature, CO₂ plays an integral part in sustaining life on Earth, a part that is largely unknown or underappreciated by the general public. We present a set of activities designed to help students overcome the most common misunderstandings about CO₂, from its sheer existence as a mass-containing molecule to its complementary roles in photosynthesis and respiration. Through these activities, students will be able to apply their knowledge to real-world phenomena, including weight loss and global warming.