Name___________________________________________ Date__________________ Class___________________
LAB Who Contributes CO2?
Background
Many scientists believe that Earth’s surface temperature is rising
because of increasing levels of heat-trapping carbon dioxide, CO2,
in Earth’s atmosphere. The combustion of fossil fuels contributes CO2
to Earth’s atmosphere.
Question
Which countries produce the most carbon dioxide from the combustion of fossil fuels?
Materials
paper
pen or pencil
Objectives
Compare and contrast the total carbon dioxide emissions from selected countries.
Calculate the average annual per capita amount of carbon dioxide produced by each country.
Form a hypothesis that explains the amount of carbon dioxide produced by each country.
Procedure
1.Read the procedure and safety information, and complete the lab form.
2.Complete the data table by calculating the amount of carbon dioxide produced per person for
each country.
CO2 Emissions Total Population CO2 Produced
Country
(millions of tons) (millions of persons) (tons per person)
China 6,018 1,339
United States 5,903 307
Russia 1,704 140
India 1,293 1,157
Japan 1,246 127
Germany 858 82
Canada 614 33
3.Formulate a hypothesis that explains the amount of carbon dioxide produced by the people
living in the countries listed in the table. For each country, consider the following factors: size,
population density, transportation requirements, heating and cooling requirements,
development and industry, and means of generating electricity.
Module Resources • The Nature of Science
Copyright © McGraw-Hill Education
McGraw-Hill cannot assume responsibility for changes made to these lab procedures. McGraw-Hill can make no representation or
warranty as to the effectiveness or safety of the labs if the full lab procedure, as set forth in labs, is not followed as directed.
Name___________________________________________ Date__________________ Class___________________
Lab, Who Contributes CO 2? CONTINUED
Conclude and Apply
1.Graph the data of carbon dioxide produced per person using a bar graph.
2.Think Critically Why might more developed, industrial countries have more carbon dioxide
produced per person?
3.Evaluate How might countries go about changing their CO2 emissions? What, if anything,
should be done about the these countries’ CO2 emissions?
Module Resources • The Nature of Science
Copyright © McGraw-Hill Education
McGraw-Hill cannot assume responsibility for changes made to these lab procedures. McGraw-Hill can make no representation or
warranty as to the effectiveness or safety of the labs if the full lab procedure, as set forth in labs, is not followed as directed.
Name___________________________________________ Date__________________ Class___________________
Lab, Who Contributes CO 2? CONTINUED
Communicate Your Data
Compare your bar graphs with those of other students. Discuss the influence of
technology on the environment. How should scientific data be used to make decisions
about technology?
Module Resources • The Nature of Science
Copyright © McGraw-Hill Education
McGraw-Hill cannot assume responsibility for changes made to these lab procedures. McGraw-Hill can make no representation or
warranty as to the effectiveness or safety of the labs if the full lab procedure, as set forth in labs, is not followed as directed.
