Climate Change Toolkit: How Many Molecules Make a Trace Gas?

Worksheets

Grades6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12Chemistry, Earth and Space Sciences, Mathematics

Scientist Reviewed

Provided by Paleontological Research Institution

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What it is

The purpose of this worksheet is to help students understand that even though carbon dioxide is a "trace gas" in the atmosphere, there are still many molecules of it present, even in a small space like a water bottle.
This worksheet addresses the question, "How many molecules of carbon dioxide are in a one-liter bottle of air at standard pressure and temperature?"

Teaching tips

Positives

The single calculation in this activity helps students visualize and conceptualize the amount of carbon dioxide molecules present in a given space.
Students use real data from the Mauna Loa Observatory to discover carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere and they apply that information to answer the questions.

Additional Prerequisites

Students should be familiar with the Ideal Gas Law.
Students should be able to solve equations and complete conversions with multiple fractions.
Students should be able to plug variables into equations and calculate unknowns using multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction.

Differentiation

Consider having students work in pairs if they are intimidated by solving the equation.
Bring in a bottle for display. Have students make predictions about the amount of carbon dioxide in the bottle before completing the worksheet.
This experiment from the same organization can be used in combination with this calculation worksheet to help students understand the warming effects of carbon dioxide.
Additional resources to pair with the lesson are A More Accurate Way to Calculate Emissions and What are Carbon Emissions? (Green Transportation #1).

From the scientist review

This resource has students calculate the number of carbon dioxide molecules in a 2-liter bottle. The calculations and conversions are well-presented and explained. As such, this resource is recommended for teaching.

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At a glance

Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Subjects: Chemistry, Earth and Space Sciences, Mathematics
Format: PDF
Language: English
Location: Earth
Provider: Paleontological Research Institution
Authors: Paleontological Research Institution
Published: July 21, 2022
Last updated: July 16, 2026
: Reviewed by our climate scientists How we review

Standards alignment · CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSA.CED.A.4 + 5 more

Core

Common Core Math Standards (CCSS.MATH)

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSA.CED.A.4Rearrange formulas to highlight a quantity of interest, using the same reasoning as in solving equations. For example, rearrange Ohm's law V = IR to highlight resistance R.
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.EE.B.5Understand solving an equation or inequality as a process of answering a question: which values from a specified set, if any, make the equation or inequality true? Use substitution to determine whether a given number in a specified set makes an equation or inequality true.
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.7.EE.B.4Use variables to represent quantities in a real-world or mathematical problem, and construct simple equations and inequalities to solve problems by reasoning about the quantities.

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

MS-ESS3-5.Ask questions to clarify evidence of the factors that have caused the rise in global temperatures over the past century.
HS-PS1-5.Apply scientific principles and evidence to provide an explanation about the effects of changing the temperature or concentration of the reacting particles on the rate at which a reaction occurs.
HS-ESS2-6.Develop a quantitative model to describe the cycling of carbon among the hydrosphere, atmosphere, geosphere, and biosphere.

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