Direct Air Capture and The Future of Climate Change

Notes from our reviewers

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• Teaching Tips
  The "Direct Air Capture and the Future of Climate Change" video provides background information. This could be used in a larger unit on climate change and the effects of carbon dioxide. Activity may inspire students to pursue a career in environmental engineering. This lesson does not feature proper framing of the role direct air carbon capture might play in climate mitigation. It is necessary for students to understand all of the limitations of this technology and its potential role in climate mitigation so teachers may want to supplement information about this.
• About the Science
  Students learn about Direct Air Capture technology and how these innovations can be used to address climate change through the video "Direct Air Capture and the Future of Climate Change". Through a reading and written activity, students will be able to connect adsorption to a surface with the concepts of charge, polarity, concentration, and equilibrium. Passed initial science review - expert science review pending.
• About the Pedagogy
  Students should know how to safely handle laboratory equipment and materials. Students should have a basic understanding of Le Chatelier's Principle. Students complete a lab experiment that simulates the underlying chemistry of Direct Air Capture technology, such as modeling carbon dioxide adsorption/desorption. The lab is well explained and includes all worksheets to collect data, pose questions, and carefully follow the scientific process to gain understanding. This activity offers an optional additional engineering challenge that expands upon concepts where students will use their knowledge and creativity to work in a group to design their own model air capture system. The teacher's guide is well designed and easy to follow. It contains an answer key and suggestions for teachers. The scaffolding of this lesson progressively moves students toward a deep understanding using class discussion questions, student worksheets, and exit tickets. Various learning outcomes are stated, including applying scientific principles and developing a quantitative model to describe the cycling of carbon.
• Technical Details/Ease of Use
  The lab uses activated carbon that can be found online (50g for < $20). The engineering challenge requires 3/8 inch tubing and wire mesh. This lesson is well designed and provides teachers with all the necessary information to easily teach this.