How to Make a CO2 Flux Chamber
Provided by: Paleontological Research Institution|Published on: April 27, 2021|Last updated: September 26, 2026
Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Type: Videos
Subjects: Chemistry, Earth and Space Sciences
Authors: Paleontological Research Institution
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This video from the Paleontological Research Institution shows students how to make a flux chamber to measure carbon dioxide for a photosynthesis and respiration experiment.
- Students will see all the materials displayed and a simple how-to guide for building the flux chamber.
Teaching Materials
Positives
- The materials are easy for teachers to source and are displayed in the video.
- The instructions are easy to follow.
Additional Prerequisites
- The flux chambers can be used for this experiment on respiration or this photosynthesis experiment.
- While most of the materials for the flux chamber are everyday items, teachers will need to purchase or borrow a carbon dioxide probe to use for the experiments.
Differentiation
- Students can design and test their experiments using the flux chambers.
- Students can analyze the importance of being able to measure carbon dioxide levels in a specific area.
- Other resources related to the carbon cycle include this video about how carbon dioxide gets into and out of the atmosphere, this game to help students visualize the carbon cycle, and this interactive book chapter with resources and data on short and long-term carbon cycles.
This resource is a step-by-step guide on how to create your own carbon dioxide flux chamber using everyday materials. These flux chambers can be used, in conjunction with a CO2 monitor, to do experiments that measure the output of carbon dioxide from a photosynthesizing plant. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
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