Fire-Fighting with Carbon Dioxide

Overview:

In this project, students will develop knowledge on mixing basic materials to create the common gas, carbon dioxide. Students will also learn the effects of Carbon Dioxide, when extinguishing fire.

Time: 

30-40 min

Lesson Materials:

*You can use the document in the link below to either: tailor the experiment to your needs or to have a printable version of this lesson plan*

Fire-Fighting with Carbon Dioxide Lesson Plan

The plan is editable and printable. Copy the Google Doc in your own drive and make edits or you can just print.

Fire-Fighting with Carbon Dioxide Video

Learning Objectives:

  1. Create and develop the common gas, Carbon Dioxide using basic materials.
  2. Test the theory of using gas as an extinguisher.
  3. Evaluate the effects of Carbon Dioxide when mixed with an open flame.
  4. Understand the chemical reaction that takes place.

Materials Needed:

  • 2 Tbs Vinegar
  • Cup
  • 2 tsp Baking Soda
  • Candle 
  • Measuring Cup

Experimental Methods:

  1. Gather materials, you will need a cup, candle, 2 tablespoons of vinegar and 2 teaspoons of baking soda. 
  2. Ask the adult you are working with to light the candle.
  3.  Pour two teaspoons of baking soda in the cup. 
  4. Pour 2 tablespoons of vinegar into the cup
  5. Lightly mix
  6. Gently poor, the gas over the flame, careful not to let any liquid out of the mixture.

Questions to Think About:

  1. Predict and test what will happen when the gas is poured over the flame
  2. What did you expect to happen prior to the experiment? Did it match the outcome of the experiment?
  3. What would happen if a different gas was used? Would the candle be extinguished?
  4. Why do you think that the fire was extinguished? 
  5. Predict and hypothesize the answers to the questions. Test the hypothesis and record your discovery.

Chemistry:

Carbon Dioxide is a common gas that can be created simply by breathing. Carbon dioxide is heavier than air. Because of the weight, the molecules of Carbon Dioxide force out the oxygen and other molecules in the air out of the way as they move down over the flame. When oxygen is removed from the flame, it can no longer remain lit.

Society:

The effects of Carbon Dioxide and Fire is a very important discovery. There are multiple methods of fire extinguishers, but a common one, is a CO2 extinguisher. This experiment allows students to create a simple, real world comparison to fire extinguishers.

Logistics:

STEAM Subjects: 

Chemistry 

Science Vocabulary: 

Carbon Dioxide- a colorless, odorless gas

Extinguish- cause (a fire or light) to cease to burn or shine.

References:

  • Society, A. (n.d.). Flame Out. Retrieved October 21, 2020, from https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/education/whatischemistry/adventures-in-chemistry/experiments/flame-out.html
  • K. (2017, April 20). Extinguish Fire with Carbon Dioxide experiment. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoEQFl32E7k