This animated video discusses the process of making concrete, why it is such a large emitter of carbon dioxide, and solutions currently available to reduce the emissions associated with concrete production.
This topic is important because the use of concrete is ubiquitous, and concrete production is responsible for 8% of global carbon emissions annually.
Teaching Tips
Positives
The chemistry involved with producing concrete is explained using visuals of the molecular structures.
The video includes a variety of promising solutions that address emissions from different parts of the cement production process.
Additional Prerequisites
An ad may play at the beginning of the video.
Differentiation
This resource could be a hook for chemistry classes when learning about chemical reactions.
You could have students work in groups to research the different solutions and present their findings to the class.
You could pair students of differing strengths and have them work through the chemical equation, identifying the reactants (substrates) and products.
Scientist Notes
The resource explores the importance of using energy-efficient and innovative techniques for producing carbon-negative cement. This is a great solution for limiting CO2 emissions from concrete manufacturing. The resource is recommended for teaching.
Standards
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
ESS3: Earth and Human Activity
HS-ESS3-4 Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems.
ETS1: Engineering Design
MS-ETS1-2 Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
HS-ETS1-3 Evaluate a solution to a complex real-world problem based on prioritized criteria and trade-offs that account for a range of constraints, including cost, safety, reliability, and aesthetics, as well as possible social, cultural, and environmental impacts.
