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I. TEACHER NOTES & GUIDELINES

Title of Lab: Carbon Dioxide Measurement

DEVELOPERS OF LAB: Darlene Brown JD810, Roger Norton JD829, Beverly Nostro JD531, Patrick Ryan JD821, Frank Hess JD721, Merle Hess JD722, Elizabeth Shirley JD535

OVERVIEW OF LAB

DESCRIPTION:
Since carbon dioxide measurement cannot be done directly, we have devised a mechanism for quantification of carbon dioxide output from a human under different conditions. The students will be directed to use laptops and probes to determine the rate of carbon dioxide exhalation while the student is at rest. Subsequently, the students will be asked to consider conditions that will change the CO2 measurements. They will state a problem, a hypothesis, design an experiment, carry out the experiment, and analyze their results.

CURRICULUM CONSIDERATIONS:
This lab can be used to reinforce the concepts of cellular respiration and breathing, which is covered in unit 2 of the Regents Biology Syllabus.

REAL WORLD APPLICATIONS
· pH in a swimming pool
· acid rain
· carbonic acid equilibrium
· exercise uses energy
· carbonation in liquids

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS:
The pH probe bottle needs a cap for "storage" so it does not sit open on the lab table. Place several layers of paper towels under the beaker to absorb splashing when students are bubbling.